All About Tooth Decay Prevention in Children
Pediatric dentists holding more than 25 years of experience in the field admit that most of the tooth decay problems in children can be prevented. This means that even when there are early signs of tooth decay, many cases in children can still be addressed using minor procedures. As a result, further decay can be halted.
Tooth Decay in Children: Causes and Prevention
The naturally occurring bacteria in children’s mouths are mainly responsible for tooth decay. The acid-producing capacity of the bacteria basically breaks down on the sugars in food or drink that children consume. The problem starts when the acids in the mouth are not rinsed off after they have done the task of partially digesting food. Theses acids, if allowed to stay inside the mouth cavity for long time, will start eating up the outer layer of the teeth. Hence, the decay process starts. Generally, there are common liquids to bring about acid formation in the mouth. These are juice, soft drink, milk formula and sugar-added drinks.
Adding Fluoride to Water
Water is a needed ingredient for saliva production. As it happens, saliva is important because it aids in washing away the sugars inside children’s mouths after they eat. Ordinary water can do that. But water with fluoride is even better. The combination effectively prevents acid production in the mouth. According to national studies conducted among the American population, water fluoridation helps reduce tooth decay, a chronic health hazard in children, by as much as 60&.
Cynics, however, are quick to point out the potential dangers of fluoridation in certain areas of health. But, backed by more than 60 years of experience and research, a certain amount of fluoride in drinking water has been set while a safe balance has been put in place. This is what is being followed in most US municipal water systems.
Additionally, a good number of kids dentists in Bristol PA recommend that parents provide their kids with calcium-enriched food products and beverages as Calcium is a major component of bones and teeth. In the course of fixing a broken tooth, a dentist often identifies a weakened tooth structure as the most likely cause. Also, Pediatric dentists in Levittown suggest that parents keep their children’s intake of sweets and sugary foods in moderation. Of course, this should be accompanied with good oral health hygiene and habits.
Now, if you have no access to fluoridated water in your locality, you can ask any childrens dentist in Langhorne for products that can serve as substitutes. In this case, you may be given fluoride sealants. These products are also helpful in giving your kids’ teeth extra protection against cavities and tooth decay for a certain length of time.
Dental visits
You must remember that you must take your child to a pediatric dentist as soon as you see a few teeth already out. This is usually between the 8th and 12th month of your child. A pediatric dentist in Levittown can help you come to terms with the importance of good oral hygiene. Plus, you will be properly educated on the kinds of food that stimulate the growth of more acid-producing bacteria.
Dr. Sheryl Radin, a pediatric dentist in Levittown and a professor at the Kornberg School of Dentistry, urges parents to instill the importance of oral hygiene even in very young children. In fact, she encourages it as soon as the kids start teething.
Dr. Radin is a dentist in Levittown, Newtown and Yardley PA. She has been chosen as the best kids dentist in Philadelphia.
