How to Reduce Tooth Decay Caused by Sugar
Don’t be ashamed of tooth decay, there are some simple ways to avoid the sugar hit to your teeth.
Most of what I treat on a day to day basis as a dentist are conditions related to lifestyle.
I mainly treat the effects of decay (dental caries), gum disease, and bite problems.
Here we will be talking about what causes tooth decay and what you can do to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Contact Cambridge City Dental Today if You Are Experiencing Tooth Decay in Perth, Western Australia!
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay, also called dental caries or cavities, is the breakdown of teeth due to acids made by bacteria. The bacteria present on our teeth consumes the sugar that we eat and then creates acid. When this acid attacks our teeth it begins to decay.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Dental decay is directly influenced by the consumption of sugar. Brushing, flossing and fluoride exposure are modifying factors that help reduce this incidence.
Decay did not become a massive problem until around the 1600s when the first commercial sugar plantation opened in Central America. Once refined sugar became a common commodity, dental decay became rampant, and the dental profession started.
It is interesting to note that during war times when rationing occurs, the incidence of dental decay reduces, then increases again when normal supply resumes.
How Many Times Are Your Teeth Exposed to Sugar?
Now only eating carrots and celery would be a pretty boring existence! Sugar is part of our way of life, and we can still enjoy sweet things without being at risk of decay, as long as we consume the sugar in moderation.
It is all about the number of sugar ‘hits’ per day, and the duration of the sugar hit.
There was an awful study done a long time ago in a psychiatric hospital (a long time before ethics committees!) where a group of patients were given the same amount of sugar each day. One group had it all at once, the other had the sugar divided into 10 doses throughout the day. After a period of time, both groups were examined.
The group that had the sugar all at once had no increase in decay, the other group developed rampant decay!
Ideally, if we can keep the sugar hits to 3-4 times per day (ideally keep it to mealtimes) we shouldn’t get decay (things like a dry mouth, fluoride exposure, brushing and flossing habits also have an impact.)
The sugar hit to your teeth can cause teeth decay.
What Counts as a Sugar Hit?
Anything sweet is considered a sugar hit. Coffee/tea with sugar, mints for fresh breath (unless sugar-free), soft drinks, dried fruit, lollies, cakes etc, fruit juices, even natural fruits count!
What Causes the Worst Tooth Decay?
The worst decay is caused by anything sweet that sits on the teeth for a period of time as it makes it a longer ‘hit’. Sticky sweets, dried fruits are the obvious ones. We find the worst culprits are lollypops, fruit juice in sipper bottles, people who sip on sugary drinks, these are the things that cause the worst decay.
Graphic: extreme teeth decay caused by prolonged exposure to sugars and acids.
What Are the Symptoms of Tooth Decay?
Toothache – either continuous pain keeping you awake or occasional sharp pain without an obvious cause.
Tooth Sensitivity – you may feel tenderness or pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold or sweet
Grey, brown or black stains appearing on your teeth.
Bad breath, or halitosis.
An unpleasant taste in your mouth.
Pain when you bite down.
Visible holes or pits in your teeth .
What Are the Treatments for Tooth Decay?
Fluoride Gel - For early-stage tooth decay, your dentist will talk to you about the amount of sugar in your diet and the times you eat. They may apply a fluoride gel, varnish or paste to the area. Fluoride helps to protect teeth by strengthening the enamel, making teeth more resistant to the acids from plaque that can cause tooth decay.
Crowns – Your dentist may discuss a filling or crown with you. This involves removing the tooth decay, offering local anaesthetic to number the tooth and filling the hole.
Root Canal – If tooth decay has spread to the pulp (in the centre of the tooth, containing blood and nerves), this may be removed in a process known as root canal treatment.
Removal – In absolute worst cases, if the tooth is so badly damaged that it can’t be restored, it may need to be removed. Your dentist may be able to replace the tooth with a partial denture, bridge or implant.