Dental caries
Dental caries (tooth decay) means holes, or cavities, in our teeth. It is a mostly preventable condition that affects many people. Diet is an important factor in its cause and prevention.
The visible part of a tooth, the crown, is covered with very hard enamel. Enamel protects the inner parts of the tooth (the dentine and pulp), which are softer and more sensitive. The enamel is made of small crystals of calcium plus other minerals.
When food, especially sugary and sticky food, has prolonged contact with the enamel, a film, called plaque, develops. Plaque contains bacteria that break down sugar, producing acid. The acid dissolves the minerals in the enamel, allowing bacteria to enter the tooth and causing it to decay.
Saliva is important in the prevention of dental caries. It 'washes' food particles from the the teeth and also neutralises the acid, a process that takes about 20 minutes. Chewing helps to produce saliva, and it also helps to develop the jaw muscles in children.
Soft, sticky and sugary foods such as sweets, biscuits, cakes and soft drinks are more likely to stick to the teeth. Frequent snacking with these foods reduces the beneficial effects of saliva.
Dentists recommend that you eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacks, especially sugary snacks and drinks. How often you have sugary foods and drinks is more important than how much sugar you consume. Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and floss, preferably just before brushing, to remove plaque and unwanted bacteria.
Last Reviewed: 30 June 2010
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2. American Dental Association. Caries (tooth decay). http://www.ada.org/5162.aspx (accessed Jan 2011).
3. Dental caries (revised Jan 2007). In: eTG complete (Internet). Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd; 2010 Nov. http://online.tg.org.au/complete/ (accessed Jan 2011).
4. MayoClinic.com. Cavities/tooth decay (published 28 Apr 2009). http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cavities/DS00896 (accessed Jan 2011).
