How can tooth decay be prevented?

 

Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning with the eruption of the first tooth. Then, the dentist can recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for parents to supervise and teach to their children. Good oral hygiene habits at home, along with regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits. Make sure your child has a balanced diet, including one serving each of: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat fish and eggs. Limiting the servings of sugars and starches will also aid in protecting your child's teeth from decay.

 

 

Why are Primary (baby) teeth so important?

 

It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth, or baby teeth, are important for 4 main reasons:

 

1. Allow chewing and eating for proper nutrition, growth and development
2. Providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position
3. Permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles
4. Proper speech development

 

While the front four teeth (incisors) may last until approximately 6-8 years of age, the back teeth aren't replaced until usually 10-13 years of age. The pace and order of the eruption of your child’s teeth may vary.

 

 

What kind of toothpaste should we use?

 

Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. Parents should use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as they erupt and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Once children are 3 to 6 years old, then the amount should be increased to a pea-size dollop and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing. Make sure to use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.

 

 

What is the best brushing technique?

 

The proper brushing technique is to:

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
• Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
• Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.

 

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Why is brushing your teeth so important?

 

Brushing your teeth is an important part of your dental care routine. For a healthy mouth and smile the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends you:

 

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.
  
  
• Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.

 

 

How to Floss?

 

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What are dental sealants?

 

The caries process is multifactorial and, over time, can culminate in localized destruction of hard dental tissues by weak acids. Effectively penetrating and sealing pits and fissures in the surfaces of teeth can prevent caries lesions and is part of a comprehensive caries management approach. Sealants on permanent molars reduce the risk of cavities by 80%. Sealants can be applied to the occlusal surfaces of teeth to penetrate anatomic surface pits and fissures and form a physical barrier on the tooth surface. Dental sealants protect enamel from plaque and acids and protect against cavities by sealing out tooth decay. Sealants can minimize the progression of non- cavitated occlusal caries lesions (also referred to as initial lesions) of the tooth that received the sealant. The application of sealants is comfortable and quick and can effectively protect teeth for many years.

 

 

What are topical fluoride treatments?

 

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) affirms that the use of fluoride in the prevention of caries is safe and effective. The AAPD encourages dentists and dental professionals, other health care providers, public health officials, and parents/caregivers to optimize fluoride exposures to reduce the risk for caries and to enhance the remineralization of affected teeth.

 

There are two ways that fluoride is applied, one is a foam fluoride (1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride) and varnish fluoride (5% sodium fluoride).

• Foam fluoride is applied with a toothbrush and the child should not eat or drink for 30 minutes after application for the maximum benefit.
  
  
• Varnish fluoride is applied with a small brush and the patient can eat or drink upon application. The varnish fluoride can feel sticky on the teeth. For maximum efficacy, avoid brushing or flossing until the next morning, but be sure to rinse the mouth out with water before bed time. However, varnish fluoride is also effective if it stays on 4-6 hours after application, so you can brush your teeth at night if you choose.
  
  
• Visit https://ilikemyteeth.org for more information about fluoride and healthy teeth.

 

 

 

 

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