Tooth decay, the
silent epidemic.
Around 40% of children reaching Kindergarten age are shown
to already have dental caries (bacteria that can cause the tooth decay) and
other oral diseases. As early as the age of three, 10% of children are already impacted.
This is five times more common than asthma, and up to seven times more common
than hay fever. The thing about tooth decay, though, is that it is entirely
preventable. Meeting with your Valencia Dentists to educate yourself and your
family is a very important step.
A healthy parent
leads to a healthy child.
Did you know that the bacteria responsible for tooth decay
are easily transferred from the parent to the child from such small things as
sharing an eating utensil to kissing? For a brief period of history, scientists
believed that proneness to tooth decay was an inherited genetic factor, but
they soon realized that it was actually a range of bacteria responsible for
tooth decay. The bacteria live in plaque, hiding along your gums and between your
teeth, eating away at your enamel. If you are prone to dental woes, such as
cavities, sharing your meal with your toddler can lead to trouble for them down
the road. This is why it is so important for you to keep a healthy mouth. Not
only that, but your child will see you maintaining strong oral hygiene and want
to do it, too!
Start them young!
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that
you bring your children in to see your dentist as early as the age of one,
preferably before. Baby teeth are tremendously important in your child’s dental
development, as well as their speech and skeletal development. Your dentist
will ensure your child is developing safely, and can discuss health care tips
with you. They can teach you methods to do at home to help prevent tooth decay
in your infant, as well as tips and tricks for getting them accustomed to a
toothbrush. It is important that you bring them in early as you can detect and
fix problems before they get a chance to turn major.
First impressions
last a lifetime.
Are you nervous to visit the dentist? Had a bad experience
when you were younger? Be careful not to project those fears onto your child. A
child’s first experience with a dentist should be a positive one to prevent
hesitation in the future. Dentists in today’s world offer a wide variety of
solutions to help your child feel their most comfortable, from light sedation
using laughing gas to television screens. And never you fear, parents! You can
always sit in the room with your child and give them your support. There is no
need to be afraid anymore, not with your Valencia Dentist.
Fluoride is not the
only solution.
While fluoride is very beneficial in the prevention of tooth
decay, dentists and scientists alike have been discovering alternative methods
to help keep those dental caries at bay. Xylitol, which is used as a food
sweetener and often appears in chewing gum, has been shown to inhibit the
growth of some bacteria known to cause tooth decay. As an added bonus, Xylitol
contains up to 33% fewer calories than regular sugar. Licorice root extract is
also shown to help bring down the number of cavities, and can be found in
candies. However, the best method of prevention is through the regular brushing
and use of fluoride-infused toothpastes and mouthwashes.
As always, ask your friendly Valencia Dentists for an
appointment for you and your child. They can help you decide what is best. They
are always there to answer your questions, and strive to make your family a
healthy family.
