Effectiveness of Dietary Interventions To Control Dental Caries - Essay Example

Effectiveness of Dietary Interventions to Control Dental Caries xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Name xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Course xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Instructor xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Date xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Introduction Dental caries have become one of the most prevalent diseases in the world today. It is an ecological disease whereby the diet, the host and his microbial flora gradually interact resulting it demineralization of the hard enamel and ultimately formation of dental caries. Past research reveals that almost everyone in the globe has experienced dental cavities at least once in their lifetime. As a result of this, there have been rampant and massive interventions to curb the situation. According to Giannobile et al (2010), doctors and other medical experts have detailed many causes associated with development of dental caries. Firstly, order, shape and size of teeth, basically influenced by hereditary factors, play a major role in teeth decay. Secondly, dysfunction of saliva, which is responsible for natural cleaning of teeth, might lead to dental caries. Thirdly, dental caries cannot occur in the absence of oral bacteria. Some of the bacteria associated with dental cavities include Lactobacillus spp., Streptococcus mutans and Veillonella spp. The fourth factor, which is the major contributing factor, is diet. Dietary components that play a major part in dental cavities are the fermented carbohydrates. This is because they are retained in the mouth for a longer time to ensure maximum metabolization. This then results to excessive production of acids by oral bacteria thus causing demineralization of the enamel. According to aetiology of dental caries, the type of food one takes is not significant in formation of dental caries but rather the frequency in which the food is ingested. Miller et al (2009) point out that failure to brush teeth or improper brushing causes accumulation of a substance known as plaque. Plaque flourishes in starchy food and once the two components react, acids are formed hence causing erosion of the enamel. Epidemiological studies show that dental caries in industrialized countries such as the USA, UK, New Zealand and Spain, is less prevalent in comparison to developing countries. The major factor to this disparity is food security. Issues underlying food security include use of toothpaste, fluoride in water, mouth tablets and mouth rinses. Constant oral hygiene programs go a long way in reducing incidences of dental caries among adults as well as children (Turnock 2012). Diet and health information is adequately availed by large health organizations such as Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). These organizations regularly hold consultations with experts in diet and health which are then given to governments to serve as guidelines on matters of nutrition and health (Chu 2006). In most cases, the reports availed by such organizations provide recommendations that are country specific as factors of health and nutrition differ from country to country. There are many sources that contain information regarding dental matters and they include standard texts by various authors, published textbooks, periodic magazines, web pages among others (Bagramian et al 2009). Dietary interventions on dental caries Anderson, C. Curzon, E. Van Loveren, C., and Duggal, M. 2009. Volume, 10, issue 1, p. 41-54. The article makes reference of a study that was conducted to assess the relationship between dental caries and patterns of sucrose use. Theories have established that sugar is the greatest cause of dental caries. Statistics however, report that prevalence of dental caries varies from community to community. The study determined that children are at greater risk of developing dental caries due to the kind of food they are exposed to especially in schools. The study revealed a close correlation of high sugar content foods such as pastry, candies, cakes and ice creams and dental caries. On the other hand, use of sugar-free candies and gums went a long way in preventing development of caries. It is quite clear that sugar cannot be taken on its own but has to be included in certain foods and mostly food made with floor. Since invent of wheat floor in the early 19th century, dental caries have increased tremendously. Wheat is cheap and readily available which further accelerates the problem of dental caries. Although the article sheds a little light on the use of sugar free gums and candies as interventions to curb the problem of dental caries it fails to give proper and detailed recommendations on dietary interventions on dental caries. Gussy, M., Water, E. and Riggs, E. 2010. Mother’s perceptions of mainstream dental health messages for their children: a qualitative study. ADOHTA journal, volume 1. Despite great improvements the epidemiology and aetiology of dental caries, many children joining schools in Australia still do have the same problems of dental caries. This is due to persistent beliefs and cultures that many people still hold on. The journal presents a quantitive framework of some issues underlying dental caries and more specifically results and findings of a study conducted by focus groups during the preliminary phase of a community intervention trial. The research provided valuable information as to the ways in which mothers accept interpret and operatinalise dental messages concerning their children. In addition, it was evident that most mothers do add sweeteners into children food in order to encourage them to eat and in the process spoil their teeth. Mothers also demonstrated confusion on the time they are supposed to commence tooth brushing of children especially using fluoridated toothpastes. The journal concludes by proposing recommendations that mothers can follow in order to ensure dental health in their children. Information regarding dental health should be availed to mothers in a more simplified manner to avoid misinterpretation and confusion, use of fluoridated toothpaste should be adequately communicated, dietary education should be emphasized, frequent dental checkups should be encouraged and finally, it is important for dental practitioners to acquire skills in dental management of little children. Ahmed et al, 2007, Dental caries prevalence and risk factors among 12-year old schoolchildren fro Bagdad, Iraq: a post- war survey, International Dental Journal 57, 36-44 The research of this report was carried in Iraq after the war. The data was collected from 12-year old children who attended school in Bagdad. The results indicated that dental caries severity and prevalence was low in children aged 12. This was attributed to the fact that during the war there were economic sanctions, food rationing and sugar restrictions. However, fluoride concentration in the water was low. In addition low consumption was related to socio-economic status and maternal education. In this respect, only the high social class and well educated could afford sugar. Therefore, treatment of dental cavities was mostly reported in those children who came from rich families. Thus, there is need to educate the parents of the risk of high sugar intake among the children. Oral hygiene is seen to be wanting too among the children from the poor background. This is evident as the medical check ups and use of toothbrushes and tooth paste is low. The report does recommend for oral health promotion in the community, program that are aimed at preventing fluoride, and dental services should be made available to all Iraq people especially for children who hail form poor and disadvantaged population. Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies, 2008, Dairy and dental health, European Food Security Safety Authority Journal The report gives the related claims of dental health and dairy products. It explains the promotion of dental health reduces dental caries development. Observations have shown that dental caries are lower in children who have frequent milk consumption. The study done has shown that milk has mild protection against sucrose. However, this does not given a successful intervention against dental caries. An intervention study was done in children between the ages of 6-11. The results showed that dental caries were severe in those children who were exposed to sucrose and less milk consumption as compared to the children who had no sucrose and more of milk consumption. However, the report does not give a clear intervention of diet to control dental caries Factors that influence intervention There are factors that have significantly influenced the interventions in controlling dental caries. These factors include culture, family and the government. A research carried out among the African immigrants in the United States indicated that most school aged children are actually denied their rights to dental health ( Lasaki et al 2009) This has been caused by a combination of family and culture perceptions. The belief that the family should take the responsibility of cleaning the teeth has been a major interference with controlling dental caries. The parents have also interfered with the dental health programs. Of major concern is weak financial position of many families, most of them are not in a position of affording the required resources to control and treat the disease. The act of visiting a dentist in many of this family is perceived as cultural inappropriate as having caries is not viewed as a culturally as a health issue. The act of frequently brushing of teeth, according to some culture is viewed as overindulging and it is followed by negative consequences. One of an African proverb described the excess action of brushing teeth or action to whiten teeth as a grave act that results to gum bleeding. Thus the culture believes in moderate action. Basically, culture has to some extent delayed successful intervention of dental caries. The government is another factor that has influenced the intervention of dental caries. The government policies and roles have significance effects on the interventions. Other factors include physical safety, community, social environment and social capital (Fox 2011). Roles The government has tried in the quest to implement measures that are meant to reduce the spread of dental caries. This has been indicated by the decrease in the severity and prevalence of dental caries in the country, according to recent national surveys. However, the severity has noted in some group across the country. This includes the children aged 5-17 years (Moyse 2009). It is argued that the government needs to come up with more effective plans to eliminate the problem especially among the children who are fro families that are financial weak (Nancy 2009). The industry has not fully embarked on its role in reducing diet related health risk, as critics put it. The have not yet maintain the standards that are set by the bodies that control the production of human consumptions product. However, the above critic cannot be argued out in some industries that have maintained the given standards. For example, those companies that manufacture toothpaste have maintained the needed fluoride content in their products (Poulsen & Koch 2009). The customers have a major to play in the intervention. This is because they are the final consumer of the products. The ignorance of the consumers has increased the rate of increase of diet related health risk. The consumers should have the basic knowledge of the products that they are using. This will help reduce the diseases that are brought by ignorance. In addition, the consumers should ensure that check ups are done regularly in order to prevent or detect early any disease that may be related to diet Meeker & Haneline 2010). Conclusion Dental caries are said to be one of the major dental health affecting the population. Of concern is the rapid increase of dental caries among the children. This may have been contributed by several factors that have hindered successful intervention. This includes culture, socio-economic status and financial weakness. Several researches have been done to curb increase of dental caries through the diet. However, not all interventions have been successful. The government has a major role to play in the intervention through food safety regulations. The customer and the industry also have roles to play in the intervention against dental caries. This is because they are major player in the diet field. References Anderson, C. Curzon, E. Van Loveren, C., and Duggal, M. 2009. Volume, 10, issue 1, p. 41-54. Ahmed et al, Dental caries prevalence and risk factors among 12-year old schoolchildren fro Bagdad, Iraq: a post- war survey, International Dental Journal (2007)57, 36-44 Bagramian, R, Garcia-Godoyoy and Volpe, A, 2009, The global increase in dental caries. A pending public health crisis. American journal of dentists, volume 22, issue 3. Chu, S, 2006. Early childhood caries: risk and prevention in underserved populations. Journal of young investigators, volume 14, issue 5. Fox, J, 2011, The Epidemic of Children’s Dental Diseases: Putting Teeth into the Law. Journal of Heath Policy, Law and ethics, Yale. Giannobile, W, Genco, R and Burt, 2010, Clinical research in oral health. Lowa: Wiley-Blackwell. Gussy, M., Water, E, and Riggs, E, 2010, Mother’s perceptions of mainstream dental health messages for their children: a qualitative study. ADOHTA journal, volume 1. Lasaki, S,Cook, t, O’Brien, R, 2009, Cultural proficiency in addressing health disparities, New York: Jones & Bartlett Learning Meeker, W, Haneline, M, 2010, Introduction to Public Health for Chiropractors, New York:Jones & Bartlett Learning Miller, F, Vandome, A, and McBrewster, J, 2009, Dental caries. Saarbrucken: VDM Publishing House Ltd. Moyse, K, 2009, Promoting Health in Children and Young People: The Role of the Nurse, Oxford: Blackwell Publishing Ltd. Nancy, M, 2009, Dental Care issues for African Immigrant Families of Preschoolers, Journal of Childhood Education Publisher, 85 (5) Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies, 2008, Dairy and dental health, European Food Security Safety Authority Journal Poulsen, S, Koch, G, 2009, Pediatric Dentist: a Clinical Approach, Copenhagen: Blackwell Publishing Ltd. Turnock, B. 2012, Public health: what it is and how it works. Burlington: Jones and Bartlett learning. Read More