A comprehensive understanding of tooth decay factors beyond brushing and sugar intake
Childhood cavities have emerged as a prevalent oral health issue affecting children worldwide. Despite parents’ efforts to prioritize dental hygiene and limit sugary treats, many children still struggle with dental caries. It is crucial to recognize that tooth decay in children involves a complex interplay of various factors, extending beyond brushing and candy consumption. By delving into the underlying causes of cavities, parents can take proactive measures to safeguard their child’s precious smile.
According to recent statistics, dental caries remains a significant concern in India, affecting a staggering 70% of school children and over 90% of adults with periodontal disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged dental caries as a prominent global health issue, underscoring its significance in the 2015 Global Burden of Disease study. Alarmingly, an estimated 2.3 billion individuals with permanent teeth and 560 million children with primary teeth worldwide are impacted by dental caries. These statistics serve as a wake-up call, urging heightened dental health awareness and preventive measures to combat this pervasive oral health crisis.
Dr. Varinder Goyal, Professor and Head of the Department of Paediatric & Preventive Dentistry at Guru Nanak Dev Dental College in Punjab, sheds light on the common causes of demineralization and tooth decay.
1. Effects of acidic foods:
Acidic fruits, juices, and carbonated beverages can contribute to enamel breakdown and demineralization. While tooth demineralization is a natural process, it becomes problematic when the body cannot adequately replace the lost minerals. Various factors, including bacteria and the acidic pH of the mouth, can lead to demineralization.
2. Effects of bacteria:
The human mouth is home to numerous types of bacteria, some beneficial and others detrimental to oral health. Plaque, a sticky film that forms on teeth, provides a breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria feed on sugars from food and beverages, producing acids that gradually dissolve minerals and enamel from the teeth. Excessive consumption of sugary and starchy foods, coupled with inadequate brushing habits, increases the presence of bacteria, plaque build-up, and tooth decay. Additionally, it affects the saliva’s pH level, which plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health. When the saliva’s pH drops below 5.5, acid-induced demineralization of tooth enamel occurs, leading to cavities and other dental problems.
3. Insufficient remineralization and lack of neutral pH environment:
The process of remineralization occurs daily, with calcium, phosphate, and fluoride naturally present in saliva. These minerals are deposited back onto the enamel, restoring the teeth’s strength. Saliva acts as a natural defense mechanism, neutralizing acids and preventing or reversing demineralization. However, this demineralization-remineralization cycle requires external modulating agents to ensure its effectiveness.
4. Inadequate toothpaste composition:
Clinical research has indicated that toothpaste containing 1.5% arginine, combined with fluoride and naturally occurring calcium, exhibits superior anti-cavity efficacy compared to fluoride-only toothpaste. Arginine, a naturally occurring amino acid, helps maintain a pH-neutral environment in the mouth. It has shown promising results in destabilizing biofilm, reducing enamel demineralization, relieving dentinal hypersensitivity, and supporting remineralization.
It is reassuring to know that ongoing scientific research aims to nourish and strengthen teeth effectively. For children who often lack control over their dietary choices, using a toothpaste packed with essential ingredients becomes a vital aid in fortifying teeth.
