Tooth Decay

(2) Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is another common dental problem that can affect anyone with teeth, right from the day our very first baby-teeth erupted. Dentists generally recommend that this problem can be minimized by reducing the frequency and amount of sugary snacks and drinks in our diet, besides having additional health benefits. Sugary snacks can be substituted by fruits, nuts, cheese and salads, which are healthier for both your teeth and your body. Infants and toddlers are particularly prone to having a form of tooth decay that is termed ‘early childhood caries’; this refers to the presence of multiple decayed baby-teeth commonly caused by the prolonged sucking of milk or sweetened drinks in a milk bottle as a comforter to sleep.

The introduction of public water fluoridation and the widespread use of fluoride toothpastes have reduced the incidence of tooth decay in many parts of the world as fluoride has the ability to prevent tooth decay by strengthening the minerals that protect our teeth and can even reverse early stages of tooth decay. Fluoride in other forms may be prescribed or professionally applied by your dentist if you are at higher risk of suffering from tooth decay, this is usually assessed by having a ‘caries risk assessment’ profile done- this involves the assessment of several parameters including your salivary flow rate, number of decayed and filled teeth, and diet, to name a few.

Written by: Dr Debbie Hong