It is most prominent on the grooved chewing surfaces of back molars, just above the gum line on all teeth, and at the edges of fillings. Plaque and calculus irritate the gums, resulting in gingivitis . Acids begin to dissolve tooth enamel within 20 minutes after eating, the time when most bacterial activity occurs. Untreated tooth decay can result in death of the internal structures of the tooth with eventual loss of the tooth. The type of carbohydrate and the timing of ingestion are more important that the amount.
Sticky foods are more harmful than nonsticky foods because they remain on the surface of the teeth.
Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth. The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. It is provided for your general information and is not a substitute for medical care or supervised medical treatment. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. There is no warranty that the information is free from errors and omissions or that it meets any particular standard.