DIETARY ADVICE

The most important thing in controlling dental decay is that we break 
the chain of events that causes cavities.

 PLAQUE (bacteria) + SUGAR = ACID + TOOTH ENAMEL = DECAY

Bacteria in the plaque use sugar to produce acids which attack the
enamel on your teeth resulting in tooth decay. 

From the equation above you will see there are three ways we can 
prevent the formation of cavities.

Reduce the level of plaque

By reducing the level of plaque (bacteria) in our mouths, less acid will be
produced. This is done by brushing and flossing after meals to wash away 
bacteria and food debri. We use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill remaining bacteria. 

 Diet control

We reduce the time harmful sugars are present in our mouths by eliminating
sugary snacks and choosing foods that do not adhere to the teeth.
The rate that decay attacks a tooth is directly related to the number of times
per day that we eat foods which contain sugar.
So it is not surprising that many cavities appear within a short time when
a child eats lollies all-day-long between meals.

 Making the Enamel more resistant to acid attack

Your dentist will ask you to use a fluoride mouthrinse and a fluoride
toothpaste.  Fluoride ions bond chemically with the teeth, producing tooth
enamel which is then more resistant to the attack of acids.

Eating sugar-rich foods between normal meals is one of the worst things you
can do to your teeth.  Many people think nothing of having sugar in their tea 
or coffee. This has the same effect as eating sweets.

If you avoid the foods which "trigger" the decay-producing acid you 
eliminate one cause of tooth decay.
 Use the following list as a guide to the "right kinds" of snacks to promote
better dental health.