Preventing Tooth Decay

Our dental team is dedicated to improving standards, and to giving guidance, support and preventative treatment and advice to everybody.

Below is an information for both adults and children giving some helpful advice.

Dietary Advice

For prevention of tooth decay we recommend:

• Sugary foods/treats should be restricted to mealtimes and the frequency and amount of sugary foods and drinks should be reduced

• Most sugars in the diet are contained in processed food and drinks

• It is important to wait at least 20 minutes to brush your teeth after you eat, and not straight away. When we eat something sugary our mouth is acidic for approximately 20 minutes, so it is important not to put a brush on the tooth surfaces as it will scrape away enamel.

It is also important to recognise that honey, fresh fruit juice and dried fruit also contain a lot of sugar.

If you think you are suffering from tooth decay it is useful to do a diet history recording what you eat, picking any four days in the week to bring along to your consultation. This will help us advise you on how best to improve you/ your child’s diet.

The tables below give you an insight on the amount of sugar contained in every day foods.

Need more advice?

The Dental Helpline offers confidential advice. Qualified dental professionals are available to answer your questions personally from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

References of sugar amounts are from ‘composition of foods’ by McCance and Widdowsons 6th Edition