It’s time to think differently about childhood tooth decay in Las Vegas. Unless you’ve been keeping up with the research (and who does?) you might have an incomplete understanding.
Here are three vital things to know about children’s dental health.
1. Tooth Decay Is The Most Common Childhood Disease
Over 4 million preschoolers have tooth decay. Another grave fact; tooth decay in young children is on the increase.
Why? There are several conditions. Many young diets contain more sugar. Fewer children drink water that has been adjusted for fluoride levels. Many families don’t have dental insurance to help pay for care.
2. Tooth Decay Bacteria Can Spread
In a way, tooth decay is contagious. Huh? Let’s explain. Bacteria that cause tooth decay are in the mutans streptococcus family. The bacteria mix with sugar. This mixture creates a powerful acid. The acid reduces the calcium in tooth enamel. When the bacteria stays on teeth, it creates a yellowish substance called plaque. Plaque is brutally effective at drilling into tooth enamel.
Mothers, fathers, siblings, and caregivers can transmit bacteria to babies. Of course, youngsters can get cavities if they don’t have this bacteria. But the presence of it boosts the risk.
Some children are better at resisting this bacteria. How do you know if your toddler has a higher risk? If moms and dads have a lot of cavities, the child is more susceptible to it. The child’s diet and daily oral hygiene also affect the risk.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises pediatricians to ask parents about their dental health. Parents whose children are at a higher risk for tooth decay should talk to a pediatric dentist. They can help your child beat the odds and emerge from childhood without a mouthful of fillings.
3. Weakened Enamel Can Repair Itself (Up To A Point)
If the teeth are consistently assaulted with juice, milk, and snacks, the enamel never has a chance to re-harden. The juice, milk, and snacks create dangerous acid. Acid and plaque decreases the enamel and may cause a white spot. This is a sign of mineral loss. It’s the first step in the formation of a cavity. At this point, you can reverse the mineral loss. Minerals in saliva and fluoride help enamel re-mineralize. Fluoride does three important things, 1) It replaces minerals. 2) It prevents additional mineral loss, 3) It reduces acid-causing bacteria.
Your son or daughter can get fluoride from toothpaste, fluoridated water, fluoride rinses, fluoride gels, and fluoride supplements. Ask your pediatric dentist which one is most appropriate for your toddler.
Two vital things to know about fluoride:
1. If kids get too much fluoride, it can stain teeth. Your pediatric dentist can advise you on the proper amount.
2. Most bottled water doesn’t contain fluoride. If your child only drinks bottled water, they may miss out on the benefits of fluoride-adjusted municipal water.
At Summer Kids Dental, we help moms and dads keep their kids’ teeth healthy. Make sure you bring your toddler in for an exam and consultation when their first tooth breaks through. If you wait until they are three or four, your youngster may already have tooth decay.
http://www.mychildrensteeth.org/assets/2/7/1718.pdf
Contact Summer Kids Dental:
702-342-0305
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
10965 Lavender Hill Dr Ste 120A
Las Vegas, Nevada
89135
