Tooth decay is the most common global disease affecting around half a population a year including over 11 million Australians mostly teens and young adults because fluoridation has made teeth more resistant to acid demineralisation.
However the rate of acid demineralisation resulting in cavities still depends more on how often carbohydrate like sugar is in the food that we eat not how much, mainly because very little food is left on teeth.
Even though most food is left trapped between teeth, over 80% 0f cavities occur inside pits and fissures on chewing surfaces where brushing cannot reach and saliva has no access to dilute any sugar, neutralise acid or remineralise demineralised tooth like on other easy to reach surfaces.
The first bite if food fills that small crack in the tooth where brushing cannot reach and temporarily blocks access for other food.
While it is important not to often consume carbohydrate rich sweet food and drink, never start any meal or snack with sugar rich food. Always carry with you some carbohydrate fee food like nuts, cheese or a special preparation like a calcium rich soy biscuit that is easy to chew before eating meals or especially snacks that tend to be carbohydrate rich.
This may not totally prevent all acid demineralisation, so it is wise to also chew about a 100 mm stick of celery after eating to force saliva inside trapped food to dilute sugars, neutralise acid and remineralise any demineralised tooth like on more accessible surfaces where few cavities occur
except where frequent consumption virtually excludes saliva access and does not allow sufficient time for remineralisation.
Because most people do not heed warnings to avoid frequent consumption of sweet treats, it is not likely that this message will mean much unless Government take steps to bring all stake holders together like dentists commerce and the community representation to improve Oral Health Promotion as recommended by recent health reform reports.
If everyone was to write to their local member requesting health ministers initiate a review of personal tooth care advice, perhaps we may see some action, even sweet makers may find ways to help prevent tooth decay.
