Dental treatment will be more difficult and the tooth may need to be extracted. Care should be taken to observe individuals who may rub their faces, keep putting their fingers in their mouth, be distressed when eating hot, cold or sweet foods, refuse food or show obvious signs of behavioral change. These behaviours may indicate a dental problem. At the first sign of discomfort the individual should see the dentist as most decay can be treated successfully. But if the person is seeing a dentist regularly, decayed teeth are usually treated before they become a problem.
Sweet foods are less harmful if eaten at the end of a meal.
Saliva neutralises the acids caused by plaque and can help to repair some of the damage. Constant snacking between meals does not give enough time for the repair process. Diet and sugar-free drinks and sweets are now readily available and should be encouraged, as should fresh fruit and raw vegetables. Artificial sweeteners do not cause decay and are a useful substitute in food and drink. Ask the GP to prescribe sugar free medicines.