High intake of sugary food and drinks to be blamed
A new study has sounded the alarm on the dental health status of people. The report, published in the Journal of Dental Research, says that more than 2.4 billion people across the world have untreated tooth decay, which can lead to severe pain, infection, prolonged absence from work and a troubled childhood, says a BBC report.
The alarming thing is that tooth decay is not merely a childhood disease. Even those people who avoid sugary drinks and food can develop tooth decay.
Decay occurs when acids in our mouth dissolve the outer layers of teeth. It is also known as dental decay or dental caries. If not treated, it can lead to cavities, gum disease or abscesses, says the news report.
As part of the study, Professor Wagner Marcenes of Queen Mary University in London led an international team of scientists who analysed 378 studies, involving some 4.7 million people between 1990 and 2010.
The professor warns that there are more than 190 million new cases of dental decay every year.
He was quoted by the BBC as saying, "It is alarming to see prevention and treatment of tooth decay has been neglected at this level.
The professor says the main reason for this is diet. According to him, eating and drinking high amounts of sugary food and drinks, besides frequent snacking between meals, should be avoided as far as possible.
WHO’s concern
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently issued guidelines recommending children and adults should reduce their daily intake of free sugars (glucose, fructose and table sugar).
The health body warns that sugars present in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates is bad for health.
How cavity develops
Some bacteria present in our mouths can be harmful as these can play a role in the tooth decay process, giving rise to cavities in the long run.
When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently, it causes the enamel to continue to lose minerals. A white spot is likely to appear where minerals have been lost. This is the early sign of tooth decay and should not be ignored, dentists say.
If it continues, more minerals are lost. Over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity. A cavity is a permanent damage that a dentist has to repair with a filling.
According to Harsh Pandit of Clove Dental, a chain of dental clinics in north India, it is possible to reach a “zero decay” phase by following simple steps every day. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing every two days and rinsing your mouth after every meal, even after taking tea and coffee.
One should rinse thoroughly after eating sweets, he cautions.
He says that people generally visit the dentist only when they have a painful teeth, but regular cleaning and care is must to prevent decay.
The doctor adds that in India, things are changing and people are becoming more aware about oral care in tier I and tier II cities.
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