How Does Sugar Cause Tooth Decay

How Does Sugar Cause Tooth Decay?

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Bacteria in our mouths use sugars as their food source. The bacteria that cause tooth decay are unable to use proteins, fats or fibre to survive. Consequently a diet high in whole grains, meats, fish, fresh fruit and vegetables & dairy foods is a diet that is unlikely to contribute to tooth decay. Incidentally, this is also a diet most nutritionists would recommend for good overall health.

Once the bacteria in our mouths have used the sugars in our diet, they produce acid as a waste product. It is actually the acid that softens the hard outer shell of the tooth (enamel). Eventually the enamel cavitates and the bacteria enter the tooth. The process of acid softening happens every time we eat something with sugar.

Nervous About Visiting the Dentist

Dental Anxiety: Nervous About Visiting the Dentist?

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You are not alone. It is estimated that approximately 70% of the population has some degree of anxiety when visiting the dentist. This ranges from mild ‘butterflies in the belly’ to extreme fear.

Fear can often be traced back to an unpleasant or painful procedure, usually at a young age. The brain automatically associates the sight, sounds & smell of the current visit with the past bad experience. The resulting anxiety releases adrenaline which heightens all sensations including pain. Awareness of this process is a big step in overcoming your fear of the dentist or anything else for that matter!

Why is Flossing so Important?

Why is Flossing so Important?

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Most people are aware of the need to brush twice daily but are not aware how important it is to incorporate flossing into their daily routine. Decay usually happens at the contact area between teeth. Food & plaque gets caught in this area. Tooth brushing alone is not effective in removing plaque from between teeth. If you floss after you have brushed your teeth you will quickly see what your tooth brush has left behind.

Flossing is an essential part of a good daily oral hygiene routine. With the right technique & a little practice, flossing should take between 60-90 seconds to do. Once daily is enough. Most of us, no matter how busy, can find this time.

The Value of a Dental Check up - Early detection of tooth decay

The Value of a Dental Check up : Early detection of tooth decay

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When most people think about a dental check up, their impression is that the dentist is looking for cavities or holes in teeth. A comment I hear frequently is, “I can’t feel any holes in my teeth” or “I am not having any pain so I don’t really need a check up.” This statement highlights two misconceptions.

The first is that tooth decay is an actual hole in the tooth. Tooth decay is a bacterial infection of the tooth. Bacteria use sugar to produce acid. The acid softens the outer enamel & allows the bacteria to enter the tooth. A well advanced infection can be present without any noticeable cavitation of the tooth surface.

Your Childs First Visit to the Dentist

Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist

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Once your child has teeth it is not too early for them to visit the dentist. This age varies greatly. Some children are born with teeth. Others won’t get their first tooth until they are 18 months old. Obviously at this age, there is very limited co-operation and the visit is more about discussing oral hygiene routines and healthy dietary habits with parents and carers. Unless parents have specific concerns my opinion is a first visit at around three to four years is appropriate.

The main problem to watch for at this age is “Nursing Bottle Decay.” Nursing Bottle Decay is relatively easy to see – affecting the surfaces of the teeth you see when you smile. It is usually brown or orange in colour.