Diet and Dental Caries

Question 1

which two dental diseases are caused by diet?

Answer 1

dental caries
erosion

Question 2

4 direct factors of caries

Answer 2

carbohydrates
absence of fluoride and saliva
susceptible tooth
plaque bacteria

Question 3

describe how caries happens.

Answer 3

plaque acids from bacteria
- demineralisation
ph drops
cavitation occurs if in this prolonged state

saliva and fluoride help to bring back to remineralisation stage

Question 4

link between caries and socioeconomic status

Answer 4

more deprived, more prevalence of caries

Question 5

secondary effect of caries

Answer 5

pain
infection
absence from school
delayed growth

Question 6

define erosion

Answer 6

irreversible loss of dental hard tissue due to acid dissolution

Question 7

what behaviours contribute to caries in the diet

Answer 7

• frequency of eating acidic food
• timing of eating acidic food
• brushing straight after
• abrasive toothpaste
• swallowing pattern - swishing or holding drinks

Question 8

diet advice

Answer 8

restrict sugary drinks food 4 times a day
restrict sugary food and drink to meal times
snack on sugar-free snacks

give teeth 2 hours between eating and drink

no eating after brushing teeth at night

only water or milk between meals
be aware of hidden sugars in foods
only water or milk in feeding bottles

Question 9

how can you tailor the advice to the patient?

Answer 9

ask them to fill out a diet sheet