Dental caries is a process during which carbohydrates are fermented by oral bacteria on the tooth , resulting in acid production and enamel dissolution which ultimately leads to decay.

THE STAGES OF TOOTH DECAY

1. Decay in enamel  
2. Advanced decay
3. Decay in dentin
4. Decay in pulp

WHAT IS THE CAUSE ?

** Mostly due to frequent dietary sugar intake **

There are 2 types of sugars in our diet : Naturally occuring sugars & added sugars. Naturally occuring sugars are found in milk, whole fruits and honey. Added sugars refers to sugars and syrups added to foods during processing or preparation (e.g. energy drinks, breakfast cereal, bake goods) 

It is important to note that added sugar does not serve any physiological purposes to our bodies. The less you consume, the healthier you will be and the healthier your teeth will be.

Sugar is cariogenic (which means that they can cause tooth decay), and an increase in quantity , frequency and duration of exposure leaves you at a higher caries risk

WAYS TO REDUCE SUGAR INTAKE 

1. Obtain carbohydrates from whole grains , legumes , intact fruits and vegetables instead of fruit juices , energy snacks bars and sweetened chocolates.
2. Choose plain water.
3. Reduce consumption of sweetened beverages & delight such as carbonated drinks, “ air sirap “ , “ teh tarik “ , “ cendol “ , “ ais kacang “.
4. When ordering drinks, request for less sugar or less sweetened condensed milk.

GOOD HABITS THAT CAN REDUCE CARIES  RISK

• Use a straw when consuming sugar sweetened beverages. 
• Brush teeth with flouridated toothpaste 20 minutes after consuming sugar-beverages & foods
• Rinse mouth with water immediately after consuming sugar-sweetened & foods
• Chew  sugar-free gum (xylitol gum ) to stimulate higher salivary flow

**Credit : Teeth Talk Magazine**

Looking for dentist near you? Are you staying around Shah Alam area or Kepong? Well, look no further!!

Book your appointment with us today :

1^st DENTAL CLINIC, BUKIT JELUTONG

2-1-01 D’Vida  Jalan Bazar U8/101

Bukit Jelutong, 40150 Shah Alam,

Selangor

0378596757 / 01161114972 / 01136676089

1^st DENTAL CLINIC, TAMAN EHSAN, KEPONG

No 2423-1, Jalan E3 6, Taman Ehsan

52100 Kuala Lumpur

0362748710 / 0122955857

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