How nutrition relates to dental caries (tooth decay) Published March 29, 2007 By 1st Lt. Julie Garrett 7th Medical Support Squadron DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Early childhood caries is a serious public health problem. Caries is tooth decay, or the commonly known cavity. There are many factors that influence the rate of caries formation. Some of those factors include the types of foods people eat and how often they eat them. Foods that contain fermentable carbohydrates increase the caries rate. Examples of those foods include soda, juice drinks, milk, starches, raisins, cakes and candies. Teeth have a sticky film on them called plaque. Bacteria live in plaque. When people eat foods that contain starch or sugar, the bacteria produce acid that breaks down your teeth and causes tooth decay. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's dietary guidelines recommend limiting foods high in starches and sugars because these foods may be substituting healthier foods from the daily diet. Healthier food choices from the five major food groups are recommended. These food groups include: · Breads, cereals, other grain products · Fruits · Vegetables · Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, nuts · Milk, cheese, yogurt How often people eat foods high in fermentable carbohydrates also have an impact on the caries rate. Every time someone eats, the bacteria in plaque produce an acidic environment for 20 minutes or more. Limiting snack foods or eating healthier snacks will decrease the caries rate. Everyone should plan their child's first dental visit and receive oral health education from their dentists after their child's first teeth erupt. For more information on this topic, go to www.ada.org.