Dental caries
Dental caries (tooth decay) means holes 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 softer, more sensitive inner parts of the tooth. It is made of small crystals of calcium plus other minerals.
When food, especially if it is sugary and sticky, 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' the teeth free of food particles 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. This is important for the development of straight teeth in children.
Soft, sticky and sugary foods such as sweets, biscuits, cakes and soft drinks are more likely to stick to the teeth. Frequent snacks with these foods reduces the beneficial effects of saliva. Teeth should be brushed and flossed to remove plaque and unwanted bacteria as soon as possible after eating sugary snacks.
Last Reviewed: 24 August 2005
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