AS I write this, I recall that a few days ago I celebrated thirty-nine years as a dentist. During this period, I worked in more than a dozen dental clinics in both the public and private sectors. Therefore, I can say without fear of contradiction that during the Christmas season, more people visit the dentist complaining of a toothache than at any other time of the year. The reason is simple: we consume extra sugar while our oral hygiene routine takes a beating.

Certainly, this sugar is destined to cause excruciating pain from acute toothaches that will attack hundreds of people during this time.

Cakes, sweets, jellies, chocolates, and dried fruits are among the most cariogenic (decay-causing) foods. 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 is constantly forming 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 (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 to the following questions is yes, then chances are you do.

1. Are your teeth sensitive to heat, cold or sweet foods?
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 populous country in the world, tooth decay is least prevalent because each Chinese person consumes less than 5 pounds of sugar per year. On the other hand, in Australia, Cuba, Great Britain and the USA, each citizen consumes over 120 pounds of sugar each year. About 32 per cent consists of sweets, of which 80 per cent are flavoured with chocolate. As a matter of fact, there are more than 50,000 sweet-making machines in the US alone.

The proverbial sweet tooth of humans has led to tooth decay being the most common disease, apart from the common cold. Christmas is a time when this sweet tooth becomes most evident.

Best wishes for the Season, and may your Holidays be free from toothache!