There is evidence that diet influences the development of caries. But this not only depends on the type of food, but the frequency and the time when these are taken. A good nutrition education contributes greatly to the control of dental caries.
1. The importance of food
Proper nutrition is essential to maintain the dental health for several reasons.
If ingestion of carbohydrates and not done a proper oral hygiene, they ferment and are eaten by bacteria in the oral cavity, which metabolize these carbohydrates leading to acids that cause cavities.
In addition proper nutrition in adequate affect developing teeth and future caries resistance. Thus the appropriate inputs of calcium and phosphate are decisive for the formation of not only the teeth but also of the bones.
2. Factors favoring caries
Sweets. Sweet and sticky foods are the most cariogenic. After numerous studies have shown that the formation and development of decay depends not only on the colonization of teeth by cariogenic bacteria and the susceptibility of teeth to the action of these bacteria, but also the type of food, frequency and the time of ingest.
As for the type of food, more cariogenic foods are those sugars. Within some are more cariogenic sugars than others.
Simple sugars like table sugar or sucrose and products made from it, honey, jam, sugary drinks like colas, candy, etc.. and complex sugars such as bread, pasta, crackers, potatoes, beans, rice, etc.. degrade into compounds that increase the acidity of the oral cavity.
Of these sugars are more cariogenic simple and within these the sucrose is more cariogenic sugar because it can form compounds called glucans that make bacteria can adhere firmly to teeth.
On the other hand have more power than the food that cause tooth decay are retained in the mouth longer. So sweet, sticky foods like candy chews, candy or liquid honey and sugar are more likely to promote cavities.
In terms of frequency, the caries risk is even greater if these foods are consumed often as it increases the number of contacts in food cariogenic bacteria.
As to when food is taken, there is evidence that sugary foods are more dangerous taken between meals rather than during them. They are also more harmful if taken before bedtime and do not clean their teeth during sleep because they do not act the sweeping movements of the tongue and secreted less saliva which is favored retention of sugars in the mouth.
Regarding the susceptibility of teeth to decay, depends largely on heredity but also feeding. A diet rich in calcium and phosphorus promotes the development of a well-formed bone and teeth and tough.
3. The role of parents
Due to the great influence of diet on oral health, nutrition education is essential.
Parents should be informed of the factors that promote tooth decay. They must provide their children a balanced diet but should also pay attention to certain dietary habits and should instill in their children proper eating habits.
For babies should avoid dipping the pacifier in sugar or honey and bottles of sweetened beverages and also that when sleep remain hooked into the bottle. This favors a permanent contact with the teeth sugars which results in babies called “rampant decay” produced a great destruction of the teeth.
For the older children should be taught to avoid certain behaviors, eliminating food consumption between meals especially the sugar like cakes or sweets. These should be replaced by other sugary foods such as yoghurt or cheese, which also predispose caries not have in its composition high in calcium which strengthens the tooth structure, but it is best to get used to not take anything between meals.
Besides dietary habits is essential to proper dental hygiene. Parents should watch for a child to brush your teeth soon after taking sugary foods, so the sugar is the shortest time possible contact with the teeth.
The use of preventive treatments such as fluoridation and dental sealants strengthen protection of the teeth.
Finally, parents should take their children to a dentist or dentist regularly for it to review and monitor the possible dental problems that have arisen.