How to caries prevention

The dental hygiene and use of fluoride

Although sugars and other fermentable carbohydrates contribute to tooth decay is not the most important factors in the etiology of the disease. Several studies have shown that in countries where it meets a proper dental hygiene and where we have a sufficient exposure to fluoride, the formation of cavities decreases and, even if consumption of sugar increases. Also, if dental hygiene is supported and the use of fluoride, cavities are unlikely to occur despite frequent ingestion of food containing carbohydrates. Therefore, prevention should focus on proper dental hygiene and adequate use of fluoride, rather than on the fermentable carbohydrates.

The Canadian Dental Association encourages everyone to brush their teeth after meals, to move the floss regularly and visit the dentist every six months for a review. When it is not possible to brush your teeth, they can be rinsed with water to limit the effects of cariogenic bacteria on the teeth.

Fluoride helps protect teeth in three ways: it prevents the formation of plaque, it protects against enamel demineralization and enhances the remineralization process. That is why Health Canada encourages fluoridation of drinking water at concentrations optimal 0.8 to 1.0 mg / L as safe and effective way to reduce tooth decay. In fact, the addition of fluoride to municipal water has shown that it lowers the rate of tooth decay among children 35 to 50% and 30% in adults. However, consumption of too much fluoride can cause fluorosis, where a white spots appear on the teeth, especially among young children. For recommendations regarding the use of fluoride in infants and children, visit the Canadian Pediatric Society.

Sugars and other carbohydrates

Frequency - Although dental hygiene and proper use of fluoride are the main tools for preventing tooth decay, some dietary changes may play their roles. The objective is to limit the frequency and severity of acid attacks on the teeth. This is not the total amount of sugar or starch, which consumed the most, but the frequency of consumption of carbohydrates. Sugars and starches can be consumed without adverse effects on teeth if they are part of main meals rather than snacking throughout the course of the day. Space meals at least two hours, the pH of dental plaque to neutralize.

Source - All fermentable carbohydrates, including sugar, fruits, vegetables, milk and cereal products, break down sugars in the mouth and can cause tooth decay. An expert report of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) / World Health Organization (WHO) said it would not be logical to reduce the consumption of sucrose in order to avoid tooth decay if the consumption of milk and fruit was also not limited.

We clearly do not know the mechanism, but chew food with high protein fermentable carbohydrates could protect dental caries. In addition, the action of chewing as well as the mixture of raw and cooked food in the mouth can increase saliva production, which would minimize the effect of fermentable carbohydrates on the teeth.

Form - Foods containing carbohydrates that stick and adhere to teeth are potentially more cariogenic because they are difficult to brush and can remain in the mouth for longer. Sticky foods include the caramel and dried fruit, while bread, chips and crackers are more likely to remain stuck between the teeth.

Other dietary recommendations

Infants - Tooth decay can occur in infants who are given at the time of the sunset, a bottle filled with liquid containing fermentable carbohydrates such as fruit juice or milk. This situation, called bottle syndrome, can also occur when mothers breastfeed their baby is asleep. This may result in loss of baby teeth, a malformation of teeth or speech problems. To avoid this situation, you should never sleep with a baby bottle. However, if the child is accustomed to sleep in this way, it is better to replace the liquid from the bottle with water.