Prevention
Tooth Decay Prevention
Tooth
decay is a progressive disease resulting in the interaction of bacteria
that naturally occur on the teeth and sugars in the everyday diet.
Sugar causes a reaction in the bacteria, causing it to produce acids
that break down the mineral in teeth, forming a cavity. Dentists
remove the decay and fill the tooth using a variety of fillings,
restoring the tooth to a healthy state. Nerve damage can result from
severe decay and may require the tooth to have a root canal and a
crown (a crown is like a large hat that can cap a tooth, making it
stronger and covering it). Avoiding unnecessary decay simply requires
strict adherence to a dental hygiene regimen: brushing and flossing
twice a day, regular dental checkups, diet control and fluoride treatment.
Practicing good hygiene avoids unhealthy teeth and costly treatment.
Sealants
The grooves and depressions that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are extremely difficult (if not impossible) to clean free of bacteria and food. As the bacteria reacts with the food, acids form and break down the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Recent studies indicate that 88 percent of total cavities in American school children are caused this way.
Tooth sealants protect these susceptible areas by sealing the grooves and depressions, preventing bacteria and food particles from residing in these areas. Sealant material is a resin typically applied to the back teeth, molars and premolars and areas prone to cavities. It can last for several years but needs to be checked during regular appointments as they can leak or be lost.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a substance that helps teeth become stronger and resistant to decay. Frequently drinking water treated with fluoride plus routine brushing and flossing regularly ensures significantly lower cavities. Your water department can tell you the level of fluoride your home has and your dentist can use that information to evaluate the need for fluoride supplements for your children.
Thumb Sucking
Sucking is a natural reflex that relaxes and comforts babies and toddlers. Children are encouraged to stop thumb sucking by age 5 or 6 , when permanent teeth are ready to erupt. Typically, children stop between the ages of 2 and 4 years. Thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of primary teeth can cause improper growth of the mouth and misalignment of the teeth. If you notice prolonged and/or vigorous thumb sucking behavior in your child, talk to your dentist.
Here are some ways to help your child outgrow thumb sucking:
- Don’t scold a child when they exhibit thumb sucking behavior; instead, praise them when they don’t thumb suck.
- Focus on eliminating the cause of anxiety—thumb sucking is a comfort device that helps children cope with stress or discomfort.
- Praise them when they refrain from the habit during difficult periods.
- Place a bandage on the thumb or a sock on their hand at night