As part of National Smile Month, Time Dental is continuing the series on the message of dental health and discuss how sugars in the food and drink we have causes tooth decay.
Tooth decay is the process that results in a cavity or hole in your tooth. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth produces acid that eats away and demineralises the tooth. It can be symptomless in the early stages but if not treated can cause pain, infection and tooth loss.
Tooth decay is a result of a combination of bacteria and food. Plaque is a clear sticky film composed of bacteria that is always forming on your teeth and gums. As the bacteria feed on the sugars in the food you eat, they make acids. It is this acid that attacks the enamel layer on your teeth for 20 minutes or more after eating. So if you are snacking throughout the day on sugary foods and drink your mouth is in constant acid attack that will result in rapid tooth decay.
This is why it is so important to remove the plaque bacteria build up daily and limit the amount of sugary snack and drinks in your diet. See your dentist regularly so that they can give the right preventative advice and catch any decay in its early stages.
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by Dental DesignSite last updated: September 2024
