Cavities may still be the single most common childhood disease, however parents can easily play a pivotal role in preventing them. Cavities, an infectious disease caused by acid-forming bacteria found in dental plaque, destroys the tooth’s structure. Young children, ages one through six, are more susceptible to develop cavities because their primary teeth have thinner, weaker enamel are a prime target for plaque and primary teeth have more spaces between teeth where food is more likely to linger which creates a breeding ground for cavity causing bacteria.

Cavities are most likely to first form in the front upper teeth, then the first upper and lower molar and then the lower canines (the pointy ones). This pattern happens because parents often put their child to bed with a bottle containing milk or sugary juice. The child then falls asleep leaving teeth susceptible to acid-forming bacteria that develops into cavities.

Parental knowledge is essential to create a good foundation for children’s oral health. Learning about proper oral care should be just as much of a priority as pre-natal care. Parents-to-be should take the initiative and ask health care professionals about a baby’s oral health.

So what can parents do to prevent the most common childhood disease?

1. Add more fluoride to children’s daily intake.

Fluoride strengthens young teeth and can be obtained through toothpaste, fluoridated water, rinses and professional application. Not only does fluoride prevent the development of cavities, but it also repairs the early stages of tooth decay (before cavity formation). Therefore, tooth decay is reduced throughout the child’s life and so is the cost of dental treatment.

2. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit sugar intake.

Promote fruits and vegetables in the household and remove foods with processed sugars and add teeth cleaning foods like apples, carrots and celery. However, be selective on what you serve.

In addition, limit or eliminate sugary drinks and snacks, the best alternative drink is water. After eating, these sugary carbohydrates lead to 20 minutes of acid production in the mouth which is the crucial time when cavities form. Replace sweet treats with fruits and buy sugar-free chewing gum that contains xylitol and sorbitol.

Limit intake of carbonated drinks and use a straw with drinks to prevent sugar contact with teeth. CONTINUES....Australian Dental Association