When you see a child with tooth decay, your first thought may be that it is caused by eating too much sugar. In fact, tooth decay is not only triggered by excessive candy intake but also by the following factors. Pujing Dental Clinic explains for you:
1. Oral environment. Under normal conditions, saliva can clean the teeth and inhibit acid and demineralization. However, when saliva secretion is either too much or too little, the risk of tooth decay increases. In addition, an increase in lactic acid content in the saliva also raises the risk of tooth decay.
2. Oral hygiene. Most children do not like brushing their teeth or brush them casually, resulting in insufficient oral cleaning. Residual food cannot be cleaned promptly and remains on the teeth or in the pits and fissures, providing nutrition for bacteria. The bacteria mix with food to form plaque, which produces acid that erodes the enamel and leads to tooth decay.
3. Tooth condition. The shape, calcification, and tissue structure of the teeth are directly related to the occurrence of tooth decay. Vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and fluoride are important components of the teeth. If these are not adequately supplied, the teeth become poorly calcified and less resistant to acid, making tooth decay more likely.
4. Dietary factors.
(1) Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates promote the formation of plaque and also provide energy for bacteria. Bacteria metabolize carbohydrates to produce acid and synthesize polysaccharides. The organic acids produced favor the growth of acid-producing and acid-tolerant bacteria, and the synthesized polysaccharides promote bacterial accumulation on the tooth surface. Therefore, excessive consumption of carbohydrates can easily damage the teeth.
(2) Biscuits. Eating biscuits makes them stick to the teeth more and more, leaving a lot of residue. If not cleaned in time, the teeth will be invaded and corroded by bacteria over a long period. In addition, biscuits are highly fermented and processed products with a relatively high sugar index, making tooth decay more likely.
(3) Dried fruits. Dried fruits stick to the teeth just like candy and also contain a certain amount of sugar. Dried fruits stuck to the teeth provide energy for bacteria and increase the risk of acid erosion.
(4) Coffee. Drinking coffee also increases the risk of tooth decay. Tannic acid in coffee can cause yellow stains on the teeth. The longer it stays in your mouth, the greater the damage to the teeth.
(5) Carbonated drinks. The outer layer of the teeth is made of calcified inorganic material. Most carbonated drinks are acidic, and the carbonic acid in them causes decalcification of the enamel. Long-term consumption of carbonated drinks slowly erodes the enamel, and the teeth become thinner as a result.
Pujing Dental Clinic is a professional dental and oral medical institution specializing in dental implants, orthodontics, aesthetic restoration, repair, treatment, and pediatric dentistry. The clinic adopts digital dental equipment and technology to provide patients with more comfortable oral medical services.
