The Relationship between Nutrition and Dental Caries

Factors related to tooth decay can be examined in two parts as factors related to the development of the tooth or those that occur after tooth development. The relationship between nutrition and Decaying has been revealed in many studies.

The nutritional status during tooth development determines the tooth's resistance to caries. Adequate intake of calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A, D and C, which ensure the sound development of teeth in infancy, affects caries that may occur in milk and permanent teeth.

It has been shown that breastfeeding the mother for more or less than 6 months or feeding the child with ready-made foods from birth has an effect on the frequency of baby tooth decay. The caries rate in the milk teeth of children who grow up with ready-made foods and breast-fed for less than 6 months is higher than in children who are breastfed for more than 6 months, and the best teeth are found in children who are breastfed.

Caries after tooth development occurs as a result of the inability to adequately clean the plaque containing caries-causing bacteria on the teeth. When fermentable carbohydrates consumed and Decaying microorganisms come together, acidic products are formed, and the resulting acid causes the dissolution of the tooth structure, causing the formation of caries. In order for bacterial plaque to produce acid, it is necessary to have fermented carbohydrates in the environment. All fermented carbohydrates cause acid production, while sucrose is the carbohydrate that causes the formation of caries the most.

Sucrose is intensively used in jams, biscuits, cookies, cakes, pies, confectionery, sorbet, flour, milk desserts and many additives. The consumption of these nutrients increases the risk of caries. The frequency of eating is also an increasing factor in caries and should be limited to 5-6 times a day. Feeding or breastfeeding with a bottle containing sugary liquid at night in children is an important factor that can cause widespread bruises in young children. In order to prevent Decaying teeth, it is very important to avoid sugar-containing products and beverages, and to stop snacking between meals. The frequency of intake of acidic beverages such as fruit juice and soda should be reduced.