Diet

Healthy balanced diet

A healthy dental diet is no different from a healthy balanced diet and there is no great secret as to what element of our diet causes decay: sugar.

The role of sugar

When sugar is consumed it is absorbed by the plaque on the teeth and is then converted by the plaque bacteria into acid. With repeated attacks the surface of the tooth becomes demineralised and the decay process begins. Initially the decay may be reversible but with further acid attacks the outer surface of the tooth enamel breaks down and from this stage onwards the damage is irreversible.

The frequency of sugar intake

It is a general misconception that it is the amount of sugar consumed which is important. It is the frequency of sugar consumption that is the vital factor in tooth decay-

  • Our teeth can cope with a couple of sugar episodes in a day
  • With any further exposure the demineralisation becomes irreversible.

Therefore

  • Try to limit sugar intake to meal times
  • In between meals, stick to sugar free snacks and drink
  • If a packet of sweets is eaten all at once it will have little effect on the teeth. However if the same packet is eaten throughout the day the teeth will be continuously bathed in acid and will begin to decay
  • A bar of chocolate eaten all at once is better than a packet of mints eaten all day
  • Sticky sugary snacks should be avoided altogether

Hidden sugars

Remember its not just sweets and biscuits which contain sugar. Many products have added sugars, which can be just as damaging e.g., baked beans, tomato sauce, cereals etc. If in doubt check the label.

Sugar free alternative

  • In general most savoury snacks are fine e.g. peanuts crackers crisps pizza slice
  • Fruit is a great option but remember some dried fruits such as raisins can cause decay
  • Sugar free confectionery is available. Look out for the tooth kind logo.

Drinks

These deserve a special mention as they are consumed throughout the day. Avoid:

  • Fizzy drinks like cola and lemonade
  • Sugar in tea and coffee. Use an artificial sweetener if necessary
  • Squash and diluting juice
  • Sports drinks

As well as causing decay fizzy drinks and sports drinks are very acidic and can cause erosion of the tooth enamel. Therefore avoid diet drinks as well.

Basically stick to water and milk if possible. If you must have something sweet there are certain low sugar squashes available which are not perfect but better than most e.g. Ribena toothkind.