Diet and Dental Disease

Diet and dental disease

There is a greater chance of tooth decay by having a diet high in sugary food and drink. Despite improvement in Children dental health in the UK in recent years many still suffer from serious decay in their teeth. But sugar free does not mean tooth safe. Erosion of tooth enamel is caused by acidic food and drinks. This includes the diet versions of many fizzy drinks, smoothies and fruit juices. Many children have experienced tooth decay or enamel erosion by the time they reach the age of 12.

Snacking outside meal times increases the risk of tooth decay and enamel erosion. Aggressive advertising in the media, at the food supermarkets, at checkouts and by food manufacturers and sellers have played a big part in this.

What can you do?

Avoid Snacking

Try to keep to 3 meals a day

If you do snack, eat food friendly food and avoid foods that are damaging to teeth.

Tooth friendly foods

ü  Water

ü  Milk

ü  Fresh Fruits

ü  Vegetables

ü  Low fat cheese

ü  Lo savoury crackers

ü  Plain unsweetened yoghurt

Foods that are damaging to teeth

û  Sweets

û  Chocolate

û  Biscuits and cakes

û  Sugary cereal and cereal bars

û  Fizzy drinks

û  Fruit juice and squash

û  Sweetened yoghurts

û  Jams, preserves and honey

Brush your teeth regularly

Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride tooth paste

Use a pea size amount of tooth paste