Relationship between your
Carbohydrates and your teeth
The
Relationship between sugar and tooth decay is very close,
and the history of tooth decay closely parallels the availabilty
of sugar. The incidence of tooth decay is estimated to have been very slow (less than 5%) among hunter-gatherers who had minimal access
to sugars. Tooth decay did not become a widespread problem until the late 17th century, when great quantities of sucrose were exported from
the new world to Europe and other parts of the World. When sugar shortages occured in the United States and Europe during World War I and II
rates of tooth decay declined; they rebounded when sugar became available again. Rates of tooth decay in children vary substantially among
countries, but the highest rates are in countries where sugar is widely available in processed foods and beverages. Tooth Decay is spreading
rapidly in developing countries where sugar, candy, softdrinks, and fruit drinks are becoming widely available.
Sweets are not the only culprit. simple sugars that promote tooth decay can also come from starchy foods, especially pretzels, crackers and
breads that sick to your gums and teeth. Some of the starch is broken down to simple sugars by enzymes in the mouth. To reduce the incidence of tooth
decay, a number of countries have developed campaigns to help inform consumers about cavity-promoting foods. Other countries recommend that sweets be
consumed with meals or that teeth be brushed after sweets are eaten.