Sugar here, sugar there, sugar everywhere!
By JENNA LANNAN on March 31, 2023.
April is Oral Health Month! This year the focus is around sugar – a common ingredient in a lot of foods and extremely hard to avoid. Everywhere we go seems to involve some type of sweet treat. Most people are aware that sugar causes tooth decay, but might not know how it happens. The mouth is full of hundreds of bacteria, both healthy and harmful. The harmful bacteria feast on the sugars that enter our mouths when we eat sugary foods. These bacteria create acids that harm and destroy enamel (the outer layer of the teeth). It can also cause the enamel of the teeth to wear away, leaving them chalky white, which is called demineralization. This is the first sign of decay and can eventually progress to cavities, pain and infection. Every time we put anything in our mouth these acid attacks occur so it is important to limit snacking. Our saliva is constantly trying to reverse this process and this is called remineralization. Fluoride is also very important for these acid attacks because it helps repair that weakened enamel. Although this mineral is very important it can only do so much. It is important to limit the amount of sugar and starchy foods that we eat. Avoiding sticky foods like crackers, raisins or anything that can get stuck in the grooves of teeth. Other ways we can help this remineralization process is by stimulating saliva by chewing sugar free gum after meals. Fresh vegetables and fruit also help to stimulate this saliva. Cheese, yogurt and other dairy products that are high in calcium help strengthen teeth and are a great snack choice. It is also important to offer water as the drink of choice. Juice should never go into a sippy cup or water bottle and should only be consumed rarely with a meal. Say yes to fluoride. Not only does this mineral help prevent tooth decay, it can also reverse early stages of tooth decay. Using a CDA approved fluoride toothpaste and receiving a professional fluoride treatment at least twice a year at the dentist are very important. Make brushing and flossing a habit every day and stick to it. Use a soft bristle or electric brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Once the fluoride has been brushed on, it is important to wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything (including rinsing with water). Also, flossing daily to remove food from in between teeth is important. For more information on oral health and fluoride recommendations please visit ahs.ca/oralhealth. Alberta Health Services offers a free dental screening and fluoride varnish for children aged 12-35 months. Please call your local health unit to book an appointment. Alberta Seniors Benefits are available for eligible residents in Alberta over the age of 65. For more information visit seniors-housing.alberta.ca/seniors/seniors-benefit-program.html or contact 1-877-644-9992. Alberta Child Health Benefits is for families with limited income that may not have insurance or money to go to the dentist or other medical providers. For any more questions please visit employment.alberta/hb-policy or call 1-877-469-5437. Jenna Lannan is a Registered Dental Hygienist with Alberta Health Services, Oral Health, Population Health Promotion 11-10
