Impact on the living habits of tooth decay

Several factors can cause tooth decay among children, but bad eating habits and oral hygiene play a key role. Each time a child eats a food or drink a sugary liquid, solid particles or liquid remain on the teeth and between teeth. If they are not removed by brushing and flossing, bacteria in the mouth convert sugar to acid particles. These acids attack the tooth enamel and, ultimately, causing cavities. That is why parents must quickly give good oral hygiene habits in their children and integrate them into daily routine.

Research indicates more and more that there could be a link between oral disease and other health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke, and premature births and inadequate birth weight. Although researchers are only beginning to glimpse the nature of this link, the idea that healthy mouth and healthy living go hand in hand is increasingly becoming a fact.

Poll habits

The Canadian Dental Association has conducted a public opinion survey in late 2004 in order to better understand the views of Canadians and their attitudes towards dentists, dentistry and oral health.

The questionnaire was given to a sample of 1870 adult Canadians chosen at random. Over 90% of respondents surveyed described their oral health good or better. Few respondents (18%) reported bleeding in brushing teeth, but nearly 1 in 3 (34%) reported bleeding from dental floss - a warning signs of gum disease.

Canadians continue to visit the dentist regularly, 79% of respondents from there at least once a year. This figure also represents an increase compared to the result (74%) recorded in a previous survey in 2001.

The vast majority of respondents (80%) brushing teeth at least twice a day, and most Canadians (70%) use dental floss, although only half of them do so daily. Women are also more likely to do so than men.