One of the greatest threats to the teeth of Children -Sugar!
One has to emphasize the idea of a sugar clock. This means we have to clarify the value of abstaining from repeated snacking during the day to the parents/ caretaker. It helps bring down the irregular consumption of food.
The continuous exposure to sugar makes the PH of the oral cavity acidic and hence leads to Demineralisation of the teeth The bacteria attack the demineralized teeth and lead to cavitation.
As per the Concept of Sugar clock, if we give a break in between sugary diet and eat anything healthy, the ph will not become acidic and no demineralization will take place
Cutting all of the sugar from a child’s diet is not fair. SMART SUGAR use must be present and this is –
- Use recommended sugared food at mealtime as
Eating between meals raises the amount of sugar required to feed on the cavity-causing bacteria.
Having a more regular amount of sugar in the mouth facilitates the degradation of the tooth structure by these bacteria, contributing to tooth decay.
- Food intake followed by proper oral hygiene.
Eating between meals increases the amount of time your teeth get exposed to food. If the food contains sugar or natural sugars, the chance of tooth decay would be greater.
The longer the teeth are coated with sugar the greater the chance of decay
. When making snacks, make sure the snack is safe and low in sugar. Seek to brush your teeth, if possible after snacking.
Chewing sugar-free gum and/or rinsing it with water will help absorb some of the sugars if you cannot clean. The bacteria which cause decay make acid using the sugars.
Consumption of sugars
The study published by the WHO and the SACN highlights the need to reduce the consumption of sugars to 5 percent of our consumption of energy.
It is the equivalent for an adult of 7 teaspoons/cubes, or 30 g of sugar a day.
Among children aged 5-11, the prescription among children is 24 g, and for children aged 4-6, 19 g.
This 5% limit is well below the average intake of 11.9% in children between the ages of 1.5 and 3; 14.7%
In children between the ages of 4 and 10; and 15.6% in children between 11 and 18.
TAKE AWAY FROM SUGAR CLOCK
It’s not the amount of sugar in food or drink that causes damage to teeth, it’s the number of times you have sugar
About the author – Dr. Bhavna G. Saraf,
Practicing Pediatric Dentistry Since 2001, Faridabad, Haryana
Look for a pediatric dentist near you log on to – www.finddentistforkids.com