Dental Decay
Did you know that babies are not born with the bacteria that cause tooth decay. A recent survey showed that only 13% of adults with children under the age of 12 know that they can spread cavities to children – similar to the cold or flu.
Sharing utensils or letting children put their fingers in your mouth can transfer bacteria in saliva, which can cause tooth decay.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Dr. Mike Recommends
The best way to avoid dental decay and stay healthy in general is to remember that too much of anything is not good. Moderate the foods you give your kids and never put your baby to bed with a bottle of juice or milk. When your kids do have a food or treat that is high in sugar or starch, have them rinse after to flush their mouth and dilute the sugar.
Families like to share things and that should not change. If you maintain good oral hygiene practice the number of cavity causing bacteria will be low in everyone and transferring it will not be an issue.
Remember, your kids are watching what you do more than what you say. Try to be a role model maintain a healthy diet. Your kids will watch and do what you do; eventually.
The best way to avoid dental decay and stay healthy in general is to remember that too much of anything is not good. Moderate the foods you give your kids and never put your baby to bed with a bottle of juice or milk. When your kids do have a food or treat that is high in sugar or starch, have them rinse after to flush their mouth and dilute the sugar.
Families like to share things and that should not change. If you maintain good oral hygiene practice the number of cavity causing bacteria will be low in everyone and transferring it will not be an issue.
Remember, your kids are watching what you do more than what you say. Try to be a role model maintain a healthy diet. Your kids will watch and do what you do; eventually.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Here are some of the AAPD recommendations to help protect children against tooth decay:
Just like sugar, cooked starches – such as pretzels and pasta – can lead to cavities. More saliva, which washes away starches and sugars, is produced during a meal, so both are safer for teeth if eaten with a meal instead of as a snack.
Utensils, cups, and other objects should be washed thoroughly before you share them with children to avoid passing germs that cause cavities.
Don’t put young children to bed with a bottle of milk formula or juice; in addition try to get older children to drink more water. When kids sip sugared beverages periods, they’re exposed to a higher risk of decay.
Don’t be afraid of chocolate milk. Like white milk, it provides protein, calcium and vitamins. Chocolate milk washes off of teeth just like white milk does – and since children like it, they often drink more.
Most bottled water does not contain fluoride. Since water is the number 1 way to prevent tooth decay, look for a brand that has added fluoride.
Also, think prevention: Tooth decay can start as soon as a tooth appears, so children should see a dentist shortly after their first tooth erupts or before their first birthday.
Just like sugar, cooked starches – such as pretzels and pasta – can lead to cavities. More saliva, which washes away starches and sugars, is produced during a meal, so both are safer for teeth if eaten with a meal instead of as a snack.
Utensils, cups, and other objects should be washed thoroughly before you share them with children to avoid passing germs that cause cavities.
Don’t put young children to bed with a bottle of milk formula or juice; in addition try to get older children to drink more water. When kids sip sugared beverages periods, they’re exposed to a higher risk of decay.
Don’t be afraid of chocolate milk. Like white milk, it provides protein, calcium and vitamins. Chocolate milk washes off of teeth just like white milk does – and since children like it, they often drink more.
Most bottled water does not contain fluoride. Since water is the number 1 way to prevent tooth decay, look for a brand that has added fluoride.
Also, think prevention: Tooth decay can start as soon as a tooth appears, so children should see a dentist shortly after their first tooth erupts or before their first birthday.
Monday, September 7, 2009
This month I am going to review much of an article in the Academy of General Dentistry Journal “AGD Impact” as I think it is important information.
Did you know that “such routine practices as sharing utensils, may increase a child’s risk of developing cavities”. The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) conducted a study between Dec 11 and Dec 14, 2008 and found that many parents and caregivers were unaware. Canadians would fair the same.
Most adults with children under age 12 thought a cracker was better than a piece of caramel. Crackers can lead to cavities just as sugars can and caramel will dissolve faster in the mouth than cracker meaning it is not sitting around the teeth as long. The longer a child’s teeth are exposed to food, the more damage is done. The cracker is better for the figure but not for the teeth.
Did you know that “such routine practices as sharing utensils, may increase a child’s risk of developing cavities”. The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) conducted a study between Dec 11 and Dec 14, 2008 and found that many parents and caregivers were unaware. Canadians would fair the same.
Most adults with children under age 12 thought a cracker was better than a piece of caramel. Crackers can lead to cavities just as sugars can and caramel will dissolve faster in the mouth than cracker meaning it is not sitting around the teeth as long. The longer a child’s teeth are exposed to food, the more damage is done. The cracker is better for the figure but not for the teeth.
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