March 9, 2007

The Best Wealth is Your Health

Children’s dental health: prevention is the key

By Dr. Douglas W. Vierra, D.D.S.
Special to the Times

Children’s teeth begin developing before they are born. Throughout their lives they will have two sets of teeth: primary (“baby”) teeth and permanent teeth. Many factors will affect the overall health of these teeth. Understanding early preventive care can result in a healthy and happy smile that lasts a lifetime.

Proper dental care begins before your child’s first tooth appears. Establishing a proper feeding regimen and fluoride can aid the developing teeth. At birth, your baby has 20 developing teeth, and just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they don’t require attention.

A healthy baby’s mouth requires:

1. Fluoride to strengthen the enamel and protect the teeth (if fluoride is not in your drinking water than ask for vitamin drops with fluoride).

2. Checking and cleaning a baby’s teeth. Baby’s teeth usually begin erupting by 6-7 months old. Place the baby in a comfortable position, with their head leaning back onto your lap. Use a soft washcloth, gauze pad, or baby toothbrush and wipe the teeth clean twice a day. Always clean them before they go to bed.

3. Choosing healthy foods. Avoid sugary foods, soft drinks, and concentrated juices.

4. Never letting your child go to bed with a bottle. Severe tooth decay can result when the bottle contains a fermentable carbohydrate (like soda, sugar water, juice, or milk), and the liquid is allowed to pool around the teeth. The bacteria naturally present in your baby’s mouth will produce an acid, which eventually leads to decay.

5. Avoiding chewable vitamins that list sugar as a primary ingredient.

As your child ages requirements for care continue to be important for dental health. Additional factors also begin affecting the teeth. It is important that children see a dentist early on to evaluate, educate, and treat early dental disease. Regular dental visits are an important element of preventive care. The American Dental Association recommends children see a dentist as early as age one.

Most parents know that reducing sugar in the diet is the best way to prevent tooth decay. What many don’t realize is that it is how often their child eats sugar – rather than how much – that is important. Increased frequency of eating sugary foods or drinking sugary liquids is the main cause of tooth decay. Choose healthy alternatives such as fruits, vegetables, and water. Minimize snacks between meals.

In order to reduce sugar, many parents have switched to sugarless drinks that are acidic (such as diet soda). The acidity of these beverages can cause tooth enamel erosion, a condition being seen more frequently in children. Enamel erosion is the gradual wear of the surfaces of teeth. It is caused by acid attacking the surface, but differs from the acid produced by bacteria that causes tooth decay. This acid comes directly from drinks such as soda, diet soda, and some juices.

By age 6, the permanent teeth begin erupting. Establishing good habits for diet and hygiene are critical at this age. Professional evaluation of teeth eruption patterns and tooth alignment can catch developmental problems early and prevent future problems.

Professional preventive procedures help avoid dental problems for children. Cleaning and fluoride treatment reduce the incidence of tooth decay. Oral hygiene instruction teaches and motivates children in proper care. At round age 6, when the first permanent molars erupt, a dentist can place a pit and fissure sealant on the chewing surface of the back teeth. This dramatically reduces the risk of decay by preventing food from sticking in the natural grooves on molars. Identifying and treating any dental decay early results in smaller fillings that are easier to place and last longer.

Proper diet, hygiene, and regular dental visits combine to prevent or minimize dental problems for children. This is the easiest and most successful way to assure they grow to have a healthy and happy smile.

Douglas W. Vierra, D.D.S., is the owner of Plaza Dental Group, 1654 E. Capitol Expressway, San Jose, California, 95121. Call (408) 270-4333 with questions or to schedule an appointment.