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The summer holidays are mid-flow and most parents are either in holiday mode or survival mode. With the typically unseasonable weather added to the equation trying to keep the kids amused and occupied is something of an art form. One of the risks, especially when the kids are cooped up inside, is the tendency to pacify them with sweets and snacks to buy five minutes of much needed peace. However, before giving in the innocent demands of your children, take a moment to consider just what sugar actually does to the teeth.

Inside the mouth – an oral ecosystem

The human body is a complex organism and contains many of its very own ecosystems, all of which are vital to our health and wellbeing – provided of course that the balance is maintained. The mouth is one such ecosystem. A natural sea of bacteria constantly surrounds our teeth and gums, some of which is good for us and helps to repair and restore the teeth, whilst other bacteria are harmful, causing the creation of acid and attacking our teeth. Every day, a battle of the bacteria is taking place in which these two forces are constantly fighting for victory. Sugar is one of the biggest deciders as to which force wins.

Attack of the acid

When you introduce sugar into the mouth, harmful bacteria that are naturally present begin to feed on it. This causes the creation of acids almost instantly, which then begin to attack the enamel surface of your teeth – the shiny protective layer on the outside that gives our smile its natural shine – and also protects the more delicate inner layers of your teeth as well as the root. This attack can last for up to an hour every time you consume a sugary food or drink, according to the British Dental Association. Regular consumption of sugar means such attacks can continue for prolonged or even constant periods of time.

As acids keep on attacking the teeth, they cause the minerals to be removed from the enamel, a process known as demineralisation. The fight against demineralisation is led by your saliva, which is rich in calcium and phosphates and helps to replace the minerals and repair the damage caused by acid. Although this important work can be supported by using a fluoride toothpaste which also helps to strengthen the enamel, the biggest weapon against acid attacks is reducing sugar consumption.

The onset of cavities

The hardest part of the tooth is the all important outer layer of enamel, whose job is to protect the softer and highly sensitive inside layers. If acid is allowed to continuously attack the enamel it causes the surface to become porous and eventually cavities will form. Cavities are holes in the protective layer, which if left untreated can continue to grow and gradually penetrate deeper. Whilst in adults, it typically takes at least six months for a cavity to form, children have softer enamel and cavities can take hold in as little as three months. If the cavity reaches all the way to the inside where the nerve endings are, it will result in discomfort and toothache. A high sugar diet, even if it is only during the summer holidays, is more than enough to cause cavities to take hold.

Dealing with decay

If a cavity grows enough for the damage to extend into the softer inner layer known as dentine, it becomes known as tooth decay. If caught at this stage, it can usually be treated by thorough cleaning followed by a filling. Whilst the procedure is fairly straightforward, it is nonetheless a cause of discomfort and distress for both parents and children. Left unchecked, tooth decay can progress until the root of the tooth is damaged and eventually destroyed, usually leaving little choice but to remove the tooth – something that most parents will be keen to avoid.

Although recent statistics indicate that tooth decay in children remains a major issue, more and more parents are becoming aware of the role that sugar plays. If you’d like more information on preventing tooth decay in children, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist.

Here at Sharoe Green Dental Practice in Preston, we pride ourselves in promoting a proactive, preventative approach to dentistry for all the family, helping our patients of all ages to maintain a healthy mouth and a happy smile. To find out more or to book an appointment now, call us on 01772 718753 or enquire online here for a swift response.