Are Your Little Ones Teeth At Risk For Cavities?
According to the Center for Disease Control, the incidence of cavities in children ages 2 to 5 years old has increased.It is estimated that 40 percent of preschoolers have cavities in their baby teeth. For this reason the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is emphasizing the need for children to be seen by a dentist before his or her first birthday.
Parents often assume that kids get cavities because they are lax about brushing and flossing. That's true to a certain extent, but what few people know, is that tooth decay is a disease known as dental caries and is caused by specific germs. This disease can spread easily within a family and can last a lifetime. What's more, it is more common among young children than asthma and diabetes.
Tooth decay begins with a group of germs called Streptococcus Mutans. This bacteria feeds on sugar and produces acids that eat away at the structure of teeth by depleting calcium. The bacteria also create plaque - a yellowish film that builds up on the teeth and contains even more enamel eroding acids. Once an area without calcium becomes large enough, the surface of the tooth collapses, and that's a cavity. Dental caries is contagious, and if left alone will spread to other teeth.
Babies are born without any of these harmful bacteria in their mouths. Unknowingly parents or caregivers pass these bacteria on to their children through their saliva, by sharing eating utensils and drinking cups for example. We know that approximately 70 percent of babies get their oral flora - and specifically, the troublesome strains of streptococcus mutans - from the mother. This colonization occurs within 6 to 30 months of age. A mom who has dental caries can pass it on to her child, therefore her own nutrition and dental health are important for her children, to avoid transmitting the disease. It is an old wives' tale that"soft teeth" run in families, but what are really passed along in families is high levels of decay causing bacteria. Once these germs have established a home in the baby's mouth the child will never be able to eradicate these strains.
In part, experts blame dental caries on a diet high in refined sugar. Constant snacking on processed foods and more sugary drinks at younger ages have definitely contributed to the problem. Continuous eating is a factor because the mouth never gets a chance to restore its neutral pH balance. Children are also drinking more bottled water instead of fluoridated tap water that can help fight tooth decay.
A crucial way to help limit cavities, regardless of whether they run in your family, is to diligently brush and floss which physically removes bacteria, plaque and sugar from the teeth. Fluoride is an essential part of dental health because fluoride helps to repair the damaged teeth and limits the production of corrosive acids. It is now recommended that a smear of fluoride toothpaste be used as soon as teeth are present in a child's mouth. Children also need parental supervision while tooth brushing. Children often times miss the plaque at the gum line and need a parent to assist with brushing these areas.
At least 4 million preschoolers suffer from tooth decay - an increase of more than 600,000 kids in the last decade.If you think your 1 year old is too young to need a dentist, you're wrong. Their teeth are at risk long before they have tasted their first piece of candy.
Let's Baby Those Baby Teeth
We are proud and excited to bring you news of a new project regarding infant oral health. The "points of light"program was established to address the specific needs of the youngest members of our community. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood. Often times a child may be in pain before they have the verbal skills to communicate this to their parent or caregiver. Sadly, the decay could have beenprevented through early intervention and education. Parents frequently inquire as to when they should first bring their child to the dentist.Our answer is: by the child's first birthday.
The "Age-1" visit is an opportunity for us to look for the early signs of acid producing bacteria. During this visit we can also apply a safe and protective fluoride varnish to your child's teeth. A recent study found that one year olds who received this treatment twice a year were four times less likely to get a cavity in their baby teeth. This visit is also a wonderful opportunity to give individualized instructions on how to care for your infant's teeth.
We are excited to have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young children. Call our office today and set up an appointment for your little one. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child's smile now and for a lifetime.