Diet and dental caries

Prevention-5 th class Lect 1 Diet and dental caries The role diet and nutrition in the etiology and pathogenesis of caries may be viewed as systemic (nutrition) and local effect (diet) In general, the term diet refers to food and drink consumption (diaita ‘way of life’) while nutrition refers to a process by which living organisms physiologically absorb and metabolize food to ensure growth, energy production, repair of tissue and ultimately reproduction of the species (nutritio ‘to nourish’) The relationship between diet and dental caries Dental caries is defined as progressive microbial disease of multifactorial nature and is strongly affected by diet. Diet affect the integrity of teeth; quantity, pH, and composition of the saliva ; and plaque pH. Role of carbohydrates in caries development It has been firmly established that dietary carbohydrate are caries conducive and they exert their cariogenic effect locally on tooth surface by influence the quality and quantity of dental plaque. Dental caries occurs as plaque bacteria metabolize fermentable carbohydrate, producing organic acids. These acids diffuse through the plaque into the enamel and dissolve mineral. If mineral diffuses out of the tooth and into the oral environment, then demineralization occurs. If the process is reversed the damaged crystal are rebuilt (reminerilization). Caries occurs when demineralization exceeds remineralization