Viva Vitality: Sugar season!
By Maria Degethoff on November 10, 2023.
Sugar is a common ingredient in many foods and can be hard to avoid, especially during this treat-filled season. Around every corner there is something sweet and sugary awaiting. Most people are aware that sugar causes tooth decay, but how? The mouth is full of hundreds of bacteria, both healthy and harmful. The harmful bacteria feast on the sugars that enter our mouths and create acids that decrease the pH in the mouth and harm enamel (the outer layer of the teeth). Some early signs of this may present as chalky white areas on the enamel, which is called demineralization. This can eventually progress and lead to large cavities, pain and infection. What can we do to try and stay ahead of this process? First, try to limit the frequency of these sugary treats throughout the day. Our saliva is continuously trying to reverse the acidity and bring the pH back to a normal level (called remineralization). If sugar is constantly in the mouth feeding the bacteria throughout the day, the saliva cannot counteract the acid attacks. To help the remineralization process and stimulate saliva flow, chew sugar-free gum and eat fresh vegetables and fruit. Fluoride is also very important for these acid attacks because it helps repair that weakened enamel, but it can only do so much. Cheese, yogurt and other dairy products high in calcium help strengthen teeth and are a great snack choice. Avoid sticky foods like crackers, raisins or anything that can get stuck in the grooves of teeth. 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 be consumed only on occasion with meals. Reducing the harmful bacteria that consume the sugar to create these acid attacks is also very important. Make brushing and flossing a habit every day and stick to it. Use a soft bristle or an electric toothbrush two times daily with fluoride toothpaste. Not only does the fluoride mineral help prevent demineralization, but it can also reverse early stages of tooth decay. Using a Canadian Dental Association (CDA) approved fluoride toothpaste and receiving a professional fluoride treatment at least twice a year at the dentist is very important. Once the fluoride has been brushed on wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything, including rinsing with water. Alberta Health Services offers a free dental screening and fluoride varnish for children aged 12 months to 35 months. Call your local health unit to book an appointment. Alberta Child Health Benefits is available 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. Maria Degethoff is a registered dental hygienist with the AHS Oral Health Program. For more information on oral health and fluoride recommendations please visit ahs.ca/oralhealth. 11-10
