How to reduce your child’s risk of decay

It is very important in understanding how tooth decay forms in order to efficiently prevent cavities

Tooth decay begins with carbohydrates and bacteria – The bacteria (Strep Mutans and Lactobacillus) ingests the carbohydrates and spits out lactic acids that can cause rot in your children’s teeth. To break it down, food + bacteria = acid, and acid + teeth + time = cavities.

For more information on how the process of decay, please read the detailed information in the link provided – https://dentalessence.com.au/tooth-decay-process-and-prevention/

So now that we understand how decay forms, what can we do to reduce the risk?

1. Cut down your child’s carbohydrate intake – Carbohydrates can be found in most food that we eat and can be broken up into 2 major categories (simple – sugars and complex – starches) and several sub categories. For example, fruits contain the carbohydrate fructose and glucose, dairy has lactose, a potato has starch, chocolate has sugar and list goes on.
2. Drink water – Drinking water help neutralise the lactic acid that is produced by the bacteria.  It is well known that drinking water has many health benefits, but did you know that drinking water after a meal aids in digestion as well as washes away leftover food and residue that cavity-causing bacteria love to eat.
3.  Snack less – Every time you eat, the bacteria in your mouth start to break down the food you just ate. The bacteria produce acids as a byproduct of this process. Acids eat away at the enamel of your teeth, a process called decriminalization. And if your teeth are exposed to enough acid, frequently enough, you’ll develop cavities in your teeth.
4. Brush your child’s teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste. The fluoride in toothpaste ensures your child’s teeth will be more resistant to acid attack.

With these 4 steps you will be well on your way to reducing the risk of decay in your children’s teeth.

For more information please contact the clinic