What causes tooth decay?
When we eat and drink, the bacteria in plaque use the sugars in food to make acid. Some food and drinks, such as soft drinks and fruit rollups, are already acidic. This acid makes holes in the teeth.
Tooth friendly food and drink examples
- Eggs
- Meat and fish
- Plain milk
- Water
- Tea
- Cheese
- Whole meal breads, pasta & rice
- Whole meal crackers
- Nuts
- Porridge
Tooth enemy examples
X Sugar
X Sugar replacements – honey, sucrose, fructose, glucose syrup, molasses, corn
syrup, agave syrup, coconut sugar
X excess of acidic foods and drinks; citrus fruit,dried fruit ,soft drink ,cordial ,juice
X Museli bars
X chips
X Some cereals – check the label
X cakes, slices, biscuits
X lollies, chocolate
X smoothies
X soft drinks
X fruit juice
X cordial
Some great websites
Colgate.com.au – education, products, fun things for the kids
Dentalhealthweek.com.au – education
Health.gov.au/dental – education
Oralb.com.au – education, products, fun things
Thatsugarfilm.com – education, recipes