Second only to the common cold, tooth decay is one of the most common disorders affecting children and young adults. It is a common cause of tooth loss in younger people. This risk for tooth decay is increased by consuming carbohydrates (sugars and starches), and sticky foods tend to be more harmful because they cling to the surface of teeth.

The bacteria present in your mouth convert all foods–especially sugar and starch–into acids. Within 20 minutes after eating, plaque begins to build up on teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance formed from bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva. If the plaque is not removed from the teeth, it mineralizes into tartar and allows tooth decay to develop. The resulting cavities are caused by the acids in plaque creating holes in the tooth that dissolves the enamel surface of the tooth. Cavities are usually painless until they start affecting the nerves, grow large, or cause a tooth fracture. If left untreated, it can lead to a tooth abscess and destroy the internal structures of the tooth. This can lead to tooth loss. For more information about nutritional issues and how your child’s diet can affect their dental health, please contact us today.