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What Every Parent Needs To Know About Cavity Prevention
By Georges Martin, DDS, Marple Dental
Expert Contributor, Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine, December, 2018
Did you know, that Early Childhood Caries (tooth decay) is the most prevalent chronic childhood disease in the United States? It is five times more common than Asthma, and seven times more common than hay fever. In fact, the National Institute of Health has characterized dental caries as an infectious, communicable disease.
Did you know, that mothers with untreated cavities are the principal transmitters of cavity-causing bacteria to children under two years old, and that those bacteria grow on the gum tissues of newborns until they get their first teeth? Food tasting and utensil sharing are among the most frequent sources of transmission.
The good news is that tooth decay is also one of the most preventable diseases!
Here are some of the best practices for effective cavity prevention:
Limit exposure to harmful bacteria
Expectant mothers should take steps to resolve their own dental needs prior to birth, thus minimizing the risk of transmitting the most aggressive cavity-causing bacteria to their child.
Disrupt the bacterial plaque on your child’s teeth & gums:
Newborns: Prior to tooth eruption, wipe your child’s gums after each feeding with a warm moist washcloth. The washcloth easily removes the soft plaque in which the bacteria lives.
Ages 0-2: Once teeth begin to erupt, brush your child’s teeth with a non fluoridated toothpaste until they have learned to brush without swallowing. Once your child has learned not to swallow, use a smear of paste on the brush twice daily.
Ages 2-6: Use a pea sized portion of fluoridated toothpaste on your child’s brush, and continue to monitor their brushing habits.
Fluorides, in the form of fluoridated water, fluoride supplements, and fluoride toothpaste are considered to be the single most effective weapon in the war against tooth decay. Exposure to fluoride during the development of the adult teeth makes the enamel significantly less susceptible to decalcification from acid-producing bacteria.
Healthy dietary practices
The principal food sources for the bacteria that cause dental decay are carbohydrates. Sugars in food and drink are readily metabolized by the bacteria in your child’s mouth into acidic by products that rapidly lower the pH of the mouth. The acidification of dental plaque leads to decalcification of the enamel, and eventually damages the integrity of the teeth.
Limit foods and beverages that are high in sugar content: Sports drinks, soda and Tea cooler are the greatest offenders.
Limit snacking: Especially sugary snacks, which further expose the teeth to low pH.
Regular visits to your dental professional
Lastly, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourages parents to find a family-centric “dental home” for their children. Ultimately, comprehensive dental care is as essential to your child’s dental health, as regular visits to their family physician is to their overall health and wellness.
Schedule your appointment TODAY! www.MarpleDental.com Tel. 610-359-81818
~Dr. Georges P. Martin, D.M.D.
Marple Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
Specializing In: Cleanings, Smile Whitening, Cosmetic Dentistry, Implants, Denture Care, Tooth Replacement, and more. Proudly providing state-of-the-art dental care with the highest priority on patient safety and relaxation.
2004 Sproul Road, Suite 304, Broomall, PA
Email: office@MarpleDental.com www.MarpleDental.com
