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Tooth Decay
What came first, the food or habits?
From Thanksgiving feasts of juicy turkey and tangy cranberry sauce to Christmas ham and sweet potatoes, food is one of the most memorable parts of the holiday season. Though the idea of a spread overflowing with traditional holiday treats sounds delicious, not all of it is good for teeth.

Some foods and drinks are worse for teeth than others, and bad oral care habits can exacerbate problems, according to an article in the January 2003 issue of AGD Impact, the newsmagazine of the Academy of General Dentistry, an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing education.

After eating and drinking, food particles are left in the mouth and on the surface of teeth. The bacteria in the mouth devour the food and produce acid, which can eat a hole--or cavity--in the tooth's enamel. Left untreated the cavity can cause pain, and destroy the dentin, pulp and the tooth's nerve.

Diet and nutrition play a major role in oral health and the incidence of tooth decay, according to Heidi Hausauer, DDS, FAGD, spokesperson for the Academy. "It's important to eat a balanced diet of foods. If you expose your teeth all day long to carbohydrates and soda, that can cause tooth decay."

Foods high in sugar, starch and carbohydrates are particularly problematic because they provide the bacteria with a high-energy source. Sticky foods, such as raisins, caramel and honey, adhere to tooth surfaces and are a favorite of bacteria because it is a lasting food source. Dr. Hausauer said bacteria cannot tell the difference between refined sugar and natural sugar.

Some research says certain foods, such as peanuts or sugar-free chewing gum, may be "friendly" to teeth. "So-called detergent foods, like carrots and apples, can actually clean plaque off teeth," says Dr. Hausauer.

Reduce Tooth Decay

• Maintain dental checkups twice a year
• Brush twice a day (2-4 minutes)
• Brush with fluoridated toothpaste
• Floss after brushing
• Drink fluoridated water
• Can't brush? Rinse with water
• Chew sugarless gum that contains xylitol

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CONTACT: Susan Urbanczyk, public relations manager, at 312.440.4308 or media@agd.org or Jennifer Starkey, public relations coordinator, at 312.440.4341 or media@agd.org.

NOTE: Information that appears in General Dentistry, the AGD's peer-reviewed journal, AGD Impact, the AGD's newsmagazine and related press releases do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the AGD.

The Academy of General Dentistry is a non-profit organization of more than 37,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral health needs.