Watch part 2 of Dr. Rana’s interview BELOW to learn about what you can do to fight those sugar bugs and maximize your oral health!

Dr. Rana is a Doctor of Dental Surgery, and what she has to say about what sugar does in your mouth may scare you…!!

What causes cavities?

Dental caries (cavities) is a complex disease process with many causes. You can’t point to one single cause. Below is a diagram describing various factors required for the formation of a cavity. 

Tooth – A tooth surface is required for a cavity to develop

Plaque – A grimy film that forms on top of your teeth when you do not brush your teeth. It is made up of saliva, salivary protein, bacteria, and food debris. If you do not brush your teeth, this film stays on your teeth and hardens. Plaque contains microorganisms and bacteria, which cause cavities.

Time – It takes time to form cavities.

Patient behaviour (eg. income, knowledge, attitude, etc.) – Patient behaviour is a huge factor in preventing and fighting cavities. Patients have a choice as to how frequently they see a dentist and also how compliant they are in terms of brushing teeth regularly and effectively. Some patients are motivated but they do not have adequate knowledge about proper dental care. 

Diet – Certain foods are cariogenic (cavity-causing). A primary cariogenic food source is SUGAR.

How do our food choices affect our teeth?

The food choices that we make affect more than just our waistline; our oral health is a definite concern too.

Historically, the development of cavities was rare. It was not until the industrial revolution when refined sugars became a staple in many people’s diets, that cavities became prevalent. Today, refined sugars have unfortunately found their way into most food products, and are a major source of empty calories and cavities for many people. In the screenshot below, Dr. Rana shows a picture of a prehistoric skull with NO cavities!

One of the main cavity-causing food sources in many people’s diet is SUGAR.

Having bacteria in our mouths is inevitable. However, the problem comes from two particular strains of bacteria that feed on the sugar from our diets. After they ingest the sugar, they release acidic byproducts that begin to break down our teeth.

 

It is a vicious cycle that occurs in our mouths; the more sugar that we continue to ingest, the more acidic byproducts the bacteria produce, thus, the more cavities that develop on our teeth.

It all starts off with that small sugary snack. If we neglect to keep up good oral hygiene and a well-balanced diet, we will see that cavity soon progress into a painful and expensive end-result.

Keeping up good oral health is just as important as keeping up with our physical fitness and with other aspects of our physical health.

 

Watch part 2 of Dr. Rana’s interview BELOW to learn about what you can do to fight those sugar bugs and maximize your oral health!

 

How do YOU avoid those sugar bugs? Tell us in the comments below!