Eating Patterns

It's not just WHAT, but HOW, children eat:

  • Oral bacteria produce acids that persist for 20-40 minutes after sugar ingestion.
  • Oral acids lead to enamel demineralization.
  • Remineralization occurs when acid is buffered by saliva.
  • If sugars are consumed frequently, there is insufficient time for the remineralization process to occur. The tooth is then subjected to continued demineralization and the caries process progresses.
  • If sugars are consumed infrequently, teeth are able to fully remineralize and the caries process halts.

Change in level of pH of tooth surface due to sugar consumption over time

phscale