I just read an interesting article that was posted on the Boston.com website about cavities and kids. http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/articles/2011/08/22/cavities_and_kids/?page=full
I noticed first in the article the quote that "even a pediatrician can screw up". The pediatrician's daughter had numerous cavities when she brought her in for her three year old dental visit. Anyone can get cavities, it's not the domain of just those not in the health profession.
So, What causes a cavity? Cavities are caused by bacteria that feed on sugars and secrete acid onto the teeth causing little holes that can grow. Ok, so let's not feed our children too much sugar. That will eliminate all the cavities, right? Well, not necessarily. Many foods break down into the sugars that the bacteria love. Starches are one of the major culprits. Crackers, breads, "goldfish", all these things can cause cavities. The frequency of snacking is also plays a large part in getting cavities. The more times a tooth is bombarded with acid from the bacteria the greater the chance for a cavity.
Well, ok, let's eliminate the bacteria from our mouth so they can't feed on our left over snacks. That is where brushing comes in. Good oral hygiene includes both brushing and flossing, and maybe a rinse as well. Every parent need to be brushing their child's teeth up until about the age of eight. This is not just watching, or sending them up to brush, but actually physically doing it. I know, I know, it's tough to do it all the time with the older kids. Trust me, I know! The last thing beforebed should be the parents doing the brushing, this is the most important brushing of the day. Fluoride rinses also help remove the bacteria and make the teeth stronger.
That brings us to the subject of fluoride. This mineral helps strengthen teeth when applied topically. A fluoride varnish is placed after a cleaning in our office. This is the best way to apply the protection to the teeth. A rinse, when used at night, can also protect the teeth from decay. Fluoride is also given in our area as a chewable supplement. When taken in this form the fluoride helps strengthen the developing permanent and baby teeth.
Ok, so we cut down on sugary snacks and the frequency of snacks, brush two times a day, use a fluoride rinse. What else? Dental check ups and cleanings every 6 months are a requirement as well.
Even with all our diligence cavities can occur. This may be because of a very deep groove in a tooth that we can't clean with a brush well, or the tooth did not form perfectly, or just bad luck in a certain spot. Remember, "Even a pediatrician can screw up", and let's fill that cavity and do better next time. More on fillings at another time!
All the best,
Dr. Scott C. Peters
