3 minute read
Cavity Prevention 101
Written by Expert Contributor Georges P. Martin, DMD of Marple Dental, Inc.
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.
Oddly enough, mothers with untreated cavities are the principal transmitters of cavity-causing bacteria to children under two years old. That bacteria grows on the gum tissues of newborns until they get their first teeth. Food tasting/sharing 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! Follow these best practices for effective cavity prevention:
Avoid Exposure to Harmful Bacteria
Expectant mothers should take steps to resolve their own dental needs prior to each child’s birth, thus minimizing the risk of transmitting the most aggressive cavity-causing bacteria to their child.
Eliminate the Bacterial Plaque on your Child’s Teeth and 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 emerge, brush your child’s teeth with a non-fluoridated toothpaste until they have learned to brush without swallowing. After that, just a smear of toothpaste on the brush twice daily will do the trick.
Ages 2-6: Use a pea-sized portion of fluoridated toothpaste on your child’s toothbrush, and continue to monitor their brushing technique and habits.
Fluoride from 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 plaque build-up from acid-producing bacteria.
Healthy Dietary Practices
Carbohydrates are the leading culprit when it comes to bacteria in the mouth. Sugary food and drinks are metabolized by the bacteria in your child’s mouth into acidic byproducts that rapidly lower the pH of the mouth. This lower pH eventually damages the integrity of the teeth.
Limit foods and beverages that are high in sugar content. Sports drinks, soda and sweet tea are the greatest beverage offenders, while candy and other sugary snacks further expose the teeth to tooth decay.
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.
Dr. Georges P. Martin, DMD
Marple Dental
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
YOUR FAMILY is our First priority.
610-359-8181
www.MarpleDental.com
2004 Sproul Road, Suite 304
Broomall office@MarpleDental.com
Proudly providing state-of-the-art dental care with the highest priority on patient safety and comfort.
We Offer: Cosmetic and preventive dentistry, smile whitening, Implant restoration, tooth replacement and denture solutions to meet the needs of your entire family.
