The impact of the decay of food

Au cours des trois dernières décennies, malgré une consommation moyenne en sucres à peu près constante, la présence des caries dentaires chez les enfants et les adolescents a progressivement diminué dans la plupart des pays européens. So what are the factors of this positive trend? It seems it can be attributed to better oral hygiene (brushing teeth more frequent and widespread use of dental floss) and fluoride.
Tooth decay
TLes dental caries are the result of several factors together. First we need to deal with a tooth vulnerable. Then there is presence of a plaque ie bacteria that ferment carbohydrates are present and produce acids which will then cause the erosion of tooth enamel. It should also be sufficient time for demineralisation (dissolution of tooth enamel) to be held but that time is insufficient to natural defense mechanisms of the body "reminéralisent" the tooth to repair the damage.

Each of these factors depends, in turn, other factors. The fluorine, for example, participates in the remineralization and alters the structure of the tooth. It can offer a better resistance to the tooth surface. In addition, the frequency of meals is also important because it is more closer, more bacteria are able to cause fermentation of carbohydrates. Saliva also plays an important role because it neutralizes acid, provides the minerals necessary for the remineralization and also helps to evacuate faster food from the mouth.

Dietary factors
The relationship between diet and dental caries is not as clear as we thought. Admittedly, the relationship between the consumption of carbohydrates and tooth decay has been clearly demonstrated, but the direct role of sugar on caries at this time is less evident in most European countries. Indeed, it is clear that many people regularly consume quantities of sugar relatively large without being prone to dental caries.

A Dutch study has shown that the time food is retained in the mouth is a factor determining the sugar content of foods. In this case, the researchers compared the effects of sweet solutions over a succession of meals and snacks in and have demonstrated that food-based carbohydrates that tend to get nervous s'incruster promote further dental caries that solutions sweet. These foods are not necessarily those we call "sticky" - for example caramels that melt and disappear from the mouth faster than foods rich in starch.

The emphasis on sugar and foods containing sugar in their propensity to cause tooth decay has also changed. We now know that many foods containing carbohydrates and safety are recognized in reality likely to cause cavities. The starch-rich foods - like bread - cause acid production by bacteria in dental plaque, and it's the same with all fruits, which are likely to cause tooth decay. It is necessary to continue to consume such foods, both for pleasure and for the benefits they provide to the agency.

Researchers now believe that the role of food in the field of tooth decay is less related to the type of food itself as individual behavior. Good oral hygiene and fluoride intake, particularly through local application of toothpaste which contain decreased the influence of food in the formation of tooth decay. However, in countries where fluoride toothpastes are hardly available, the frequent consumption of foods containing carbohydrates remains an important factor in tooth decay.

The main source of fluoride is drinking water, which contains a dosage range between 0.05 and 14 ppm. Fluoride is present in all foods, the richest sources from tea and marine fish consumed with their bones (eg anchovies).

Prevention of dental caries
We know now that fluoride and good oral hygiene have a major importance in the prevention of dental caries. Here are some additional tips to prevent the formation of dental caries.


To initiate dental hygiene from an early age - brushing teeth of children as soon as their first teeth apparaissent.Ne not accustom babies to go to bed drinking, whether a bottle of milk, fruit juice or drink sweet. The sugars remain long on teeth and can lead to the emergence of "bottle syndrome".
Clean teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and use dental floss or toothpicks once a day. Do not eat after having brushed their teeth at night because the flow of saliva decreases during sleep.
It was shown that chewing sugarless gum have a beneficial effect. They help to increase the production of saliva and mouth clean leftover food.
Space enough food and drink consumption, to allow the saliva to neutralize acids. Do not nibble food, do not sip drinks continuously.
Good health is good eating habits.
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