Presentation Transcript
How does diet and eating habits prevent tooth decay? :How does diet and eating habits prevent tooth decay? By
Dr Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D.
Tooth Decay or dental caries :Tooth Decay or dental caries Most common health complaint
Increases sensitivity of teeth pain
Disfigurement
Tooth abscesses
Tooth loss
Loss of working hours
Decrease in productivity
Loss of income
Causes of tooth decay :Causes of tooth decay Increase use of sugars in the diet
Poor dental hygiene
Poor nutrition
Genetic predisposition to tooth decay
Poverty
Neglect
Lack of financial resources for dental treatment
Lack of appropriate health care facilities
How is a dental decay initiated? :How is a dental decay initiated? Eating sweet, sticky, sugary foods if not brushed away, tend to leave sticky residues called plaque around the edges of fillings, gum line and grooved surfaces of the teeth
Plague then hardens to form tartar
Bacteria present in the mouth acts on tartar and sugar residues to form acids that dissolves the enamel coating of the tooth, initiating the process of tooth decay
Dietary factors that promote tooth decay :Dietary factors that promote tooth decay Diet composition
Eating habits
Dietary factors that inhibit tooth decay :Dietary factors that inhibit tooth decay Eat crispy foods such as fruits and vegetables
Limit the use of sweet, sugary and sticky foods
Use milk and dairy products to strengthen teeth
Prevention of dental caries :Prevention of dental caries Clean teeth regularly after meals
Flossing prior to brushing teeth is advisable
Brush with fluoride-containing toothpaste
Get RDA of vitamins A, D and C
Get regular dental check ups, at least once or twice a year
Summary :Summary An acid environment in the mouth promotes tooth decay
A high composition of sugary and sticky foods promotes tooth decay
Frequent eating and delayed flossing and brushing increases the amount of time that acids are in contact with the teeth
Saliva helps to neutralize the acids at the surface of the tooth
Limit sweet and sticky foods