A FEW days ago, we wished each other a Merry Christmas, and now it’s Season’s Greetings. But I wonder how many of us can indeed say that we have enjoyed these holidays without suffering from toothache? Christmas is likely the worst time of the year, especially for government dental practitioners. I say this from personal experience because, during this festive season, there is typically a ten percent increase in cases of dental caries among the population. Guysuco officials can attest to the additional amount of sugar that is usually sold during December.

Certainly, this sugar is destined to be the cause of excruciating pain—the acute toothache that will attack hundreds of people during this time. The situation is worsened by the general lapse in maintaining oral hygiene, which is concomitant with the disruption in routine personal activities.

Cakes, candies (sweets), jellies, chocolates, and dried fruits are among the most cariogenic (decay-causing) foods in existence. At Christmas, they are consumed indiscriminately. Despite what you may believe, there is a direct relationship between oral health and the composition of the food you eat.

Tooth decay is an ongoing process. The process begins with plaque—a sticky, colourless layer of harmful bacteria that forms in your mouth. Certain bacteria found in plaque use the sugars you eat (especially ordinary table sugar) to form acids. Plaque holds these acids against the tooth surface. Each time acid is produced—that is, every time you eat—it attacks the tooth enamel for about 20 minutes. After repeated acid attacks, the enamel is broken down and becomes decayed. A cavity is formed.

Decay eventually progresses towards the centre of the tooth. If the decay is not treated and it reaches the pulp (nerve), an abscess forms at the root end. When this happens, the tooth becomes painful. At this point, root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) is indicated. Without treatment, the tooth will have to be extracted.

How do you know if you already have dental cavities? If your answer is yes to any of the following questions, then chances are you do:
1. Is a tooth sensitive to heat, cold, or sweet?
2. Is it painful when you chew?
3. Is there swelling or drainage at or below the gum line?
4. Are there any brown or darker spots on the tooth?
5. Do you have persistent pain in your mouth or in the sinus region?
If any of these signs are present, see a dentist without delay. A dental examination will determine whether you have caries and what must be done to repair the damage. If decay is present, dental treatment is the only way to keep it from robbing you of a tooth.

In China, the most populated country in the world, tooth decay is the least prevalent because each Chinese citizen consumes less than five pounds of sugar every year. On the other hand, in Australia, Cuba, Great Britain, and the USA, each citizen utilises over 100 pounds of sugar annually. About 30 percent consists of sweets, of which 80 percent are flavoured with chocolate. As a matter of fact, there are more than 46,000 sweet-making machines in the US alone.

The proverbial sweet tooth of human beings has resulted in tooth decay being the most common disease apart from the common cold. Christmas is a time when this sweet tooth becomes particularly evident.
Best wishes for the season, and may your holidays be free from toothache!