Diet and Decay in Children: Amount or Frequency?
Understanding this distinction alone solves the decay problem for most families.
What an acid attack is
Bacteria produce acid on contact with sugar, dissolving mineral from the enamel; saliva later neutralises it and mineral returns. That cycle takes time. If a new exposure arrives before saliva has finished, the enamel stays under acid and loss exceeds gain — so decay comes from repeated small contacts rather than one large one.
What to change in practice
- Attach sweets to the end of a meal, not between meals
- Stop juice and fizzy drinks sipped through the day
- Choose sugar-free snacks such as cheese and nuts
- Water is the only risk-free drink between meals
- Limit the night bottle to water
- Rinse the mouth after syrup medicines
Why juice is riskier than fruit
In whole fruit the sugar sits within the fibre; chewing increases saliva flow and the fibre cleans mechanically. Juice has no fibre, the sugar is free and the liquid spreads over every surface — and it is usually sipped over a long period, extending contact time.
Getting Here, Booking and Emergencies from Habibler
Route, booking and emergency arrangements for patients from Habibler.
Getting here from Habibler
Habibler lies in the Kepez district of Antalya; Kepez is one of the central districts, about 6 kilometres from the clinic. We also see patients from neighbouring areas that share the route from Habibler, such as Varsak Karşıyaka, Yeşilyurt, Altınova Düden, Baraj. You can ask for the location on WhatsApp when travelling from Habibler.
Appointments for Habibler
At this distance, splitting treatment into visits is no problem for patients from Habibler, and attending reviews is easy too. As with patients from Kepez generally, appointments for families from Habibler can be scheduled consecutively.
Emergencies from Habibler
Setting out from Habibler at night is quick; come without delay in an emergency, and calling as you leave means preparation is done in advance. For patients coming from Dental Clinic in Habibler, the clinic is open 24/7 and in an emergency the order is set by severity rather than arrival time. For spreading facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or toothache with fever, go to the nearest emergency department.
Interdental Brushes: More Effective Than Floss?
A toothbrush cleans about two-thirds of the tooth surfaces. The remaining third is the surfaces facing each other, and that is precisely where decay and gum disease begin.
Which to use when
The choice depends on the space between the teeth:
- Where the teeth are in tight contact: floss
- Where there is a space: an interdental brush is markedly better
- In areas of recession: an interdental brush
- Around implants, bridges and orthodontic wires: an interdental brush
- Forcing a brush into a tight contact injures the gum
Choosing the right size
The brush should fill the space but enter without force. One that is too thin does not touch the surfaces and achieves nothing; one that is too thick strains the gum. Different sizes may be needed in different parts of the mouth. The right size is determined at the clinic and demonstrated to you; this is the step that decides whether the aid works at all.
Bleeding in the first days
Bleeding on the first uses is usual and generally indicates inflamed gum; it is not a reason to stop. With regular use it lessens and stops within a week or two. If it persists, an examination is needed. Once a day, preferably in the evening, is enough.
