Your children’s dentist in Newbury Park, Dr. Gary Chaffee, warns parents that tooth decay threatens the oral health of their youngsters. Despite modern dentistry, a wide availability of oral hygiene products and education in schools, children get plenty of cavities. That’s why he teaches families strategies to keep young teeth free of cavities so smiles last a lifetime.
How Common is Children’s Tooth Decay?
The CDC, Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, maintains that Early Childhood Caries, or ECC, is the most common–and preventable–chronic health issue among youngsters ages two to 11. Surprisingly, tooth decay is five times as frequent as childhood asthma.
Unfortunately, cavities cause kids quite a bit of discomfort, and when left untreated, decay leads to tooth loss. Loss of baby teeth affects speech, nutrition and how secondary teeth develop and erupt. In other words, baby teeth are very important teeth and serve critical developmental functions.
Here in the US, kids (and adults, too) seem to love sugary candy, soda pop, sports drinks and starchy foods. These choices encourage the growth of sticky plaque on tooth surfaces, at the gum line, and in interdental spaces. The bacteria in plaque–Streptococcus mutans–secrete acids that create cavities in tooth enamel.
Yes, decay begins early in life–even during infancy. Putting a baby or toddler to bed with a bottle allows milk or juice to collect at the gum line and begin the decay process.
What Does Dr. Chaffee Advise?
Cavity prevention means early intervention. When baby teeth begin coming in, parents should start a daily brushing routine with a rice-sized smear of non-fluoride toothpaste. As teeth mature and continue to erupt, add daily flossing. Parents should actually floss their kids’ teeth until they have developed the dexterity to do it for themselves. Supervision of oral hygiene should continue until age 11 or 12.
Also, your pediatric dentist in Newbury Park asks to see little ones for their first check-ups by age one. While initial appointments at Paraiso Family Dental and Orthodontics are simple to get acquainted visits, by age three kids get full oral exams, digital X-rays, and hygienic cleanings. Dr. Chaffee inspects for gum disease, tooth decay, bite, alignment and tooth and jaw development, and he teaches youngsters about brushing, flossing, and healthy diets.
As young teeth mature, Dr. Chaffee often recommends in-office fluoride treatments and plastic sealants. Both effectively protect teeth against decay. Additionally, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends children have an orthodontic evaluation by age seven to ensure healthy jaw and tooth alignment. Early correction of problems makes for straighter smiles that are less prone to decay.
Finally, parents should model good dental habits for their kids. That means:
- No smoking or chewing tobacco
- Twice daily brushing and flossing
- A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, high fiber breads, dairy products and low-fat meats
- Staying well hydrated
Kids should drink plenty of water throughout the day. Tap water is a good source of free fluoride, and water cleanses teeth and gums of food residues. Water increases saliva production as well, delivering beneficial antibacterial enzymes.
Contact Us
Preventive dentistry at home and with Dr. Chaffee are key to reducing Early Childhood Caries. Why not schedule your child’s exam now by contacting Paraiso Family Dental and Orthodontics?