Dental caries, or tooth decay, remains a prevalent health issue globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 60– 90% of school-aged children and the majority of adults experience dental caries. This condition results from a combination of factors, including dietary sugars, oral microorganisms, and inadequate oral hygiene practices
Dental caries occurs when fermentable carbohydrates in the diet are metabolized by oral microorganisms like Streptococcus mutans, producing acidic environment which lower pH of the mouth below the critical threshold of 5.5. (the point below which demineralisation of teeth starts).
The association between frequency of snacking and caries can be explained using Stephan’s Curve**.**
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Before eating, the pH of plaque is near neutral due to the buffering action of saliva.
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After consuming a diet containing fermentable carbohydrates, the bacteria rapidly ferment them and produce acids. This causes the pH the plaque to drop below the critical pH of 5.5. The drop in pH occurs within 5 minutes of eating.
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When the pH drops below the critical level, demineralisation of enamel starts to happen.
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Saliva buffers the acids and helps neutralize the plaque pH. As pH rises above the critical level, remineralization starts to occur. This phase takes 20-40 minutes.
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The cycle usually lasts 30-60 minutes.
Frequent snacking disrupts this natural balance between demineralization and remineralization. Repeated snaking drops the pH of oral cavity repeatedly and teeth remain below critical pH for longer durations. The saliva is also not able to buffer the acidic environment. All these factors lead to caries.
Controlling the frequency of fermentable carbohydrates as snacks can help in preventing dental caries and maintain oral health. ( fermentable carbohydrates include sugary drinks, cookies, biscuits, candies, cakes )
Knowing its impact on oral health, shouldn’t our snacking be more mindful? What are some ways you can reduce its harmfuk effects ?
MBH/PS