Articles to Read

ROLE OF NUTRITION IN DENTAL CARIES

The process of dental caries or cavities begins with demineralization or the breakdown of the enamel. This occurs when the pH of the mouth decreases (becomes acidiic) due to bacterial metabolism of carboydrates or sugars.

At rest (with no food or beverage), the oral pH levels are around 7.0. After eating involving carbohydrates, the pH of the mouth decreases to a significantly low pH of 5.5. At a pH level of 5.5, the enamel startes to breakdown and will continue until the carbohydrates or sugars are cleared from the mouith. It takes about 20 minutes to neutalize the acids produced by the bacteria and return to normal pH levels.

The more often carbohydrates are eating, the more often the pH of the mouth is acidic and more enamel breakdown can occur. Therefore, the goal in preventing cavities is to keep pH levels around neutral for the greatest amount of time in a day. Consuming fermentable carbohydrates more frequently throughout the day makes it more difficult for the oral pH level to reach normal level.

All foods and beverages that contain sugars have the potential to cause caries. Depending on the physical properties, some food items are considered worse than others.Liquid foods and beverage (energy drink, soda, popsicles, frozen yogurt, oramge juice) take approximately 20-30 to clear the mouth. Granola bars, sugar cookies, cracker, and pretzels take about 45-60 minutes to clear. Carmel, starburst, chewy candy, bagels, muffins take about 60 minutes to clear from the mouth.

Some foods and beverages are naturally acidic and contribute to the demineralization of enamel. Highly acidic foods include citric fruits (lemons, limes, oranges, yogurts) and non-citric fruits and vegetables (grapes, bananas, cucumbers, green peppers, sweet potatoes). Highly acidic beverages include diet or zero-sugar soft drinks, regular soft drinks, bottled ice teas, sports drinks, energy drinks and fruit juices.

Some good news now. Some foods may reduce the potential of making cavities.They contain ingredients that affect the caries process in a good way. These foods are licorice, cocoa factor, cranberries, tea, coffee, and wine (for adults). Some foods actually help protect against demineralization. These include cheese, nuts and cow's milk.

Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, April/May 2024