Prevention & Treatment

Dental caries (the process of tooth decay) is the most common chronic disease of childhood and can start as soon as a child has teeth.  In most individuals,caries can be prevented, but it takes frequent and regular preventive techniques to prevent it from occurring. 

Good diet, daily oral hygiene, and regular dental visits are all important to preventing dental decay.

In order to prevent decay a person first has to understand the process which leads to dental decay.

The Decay Process:

• A tooth is a mineral structure
• Decay (cavities) in teeth is a process where a mineral tooth dissolves in an acid environment
• Much like sugar cubes dissolve in water, mineral teeth, will begin to disolve if the acid levels in our mouth increase
• Acid levels in our mouth increase when certain bacteria found on and around the teeth receive simple carbohydrates, sugars, and refined starches
• Each time that we eat or drink anything but water, we load our saliva with things that allow bacteria to make acid and the teeth begin to dissolve
• It takes several minutes for the acid to get cleared from the mouth by our saliva
• People who "graze" on food (eat periodically all day), can have teeth dissolving in an acid environment all day long and this can lead to increased cavities
• It is recommended that individuals eat six small meals at specific times during the day, sitting down, and completing the meal or snack in one sitting and then not "grazing between meals

 When should I begin worrying about my child's teeth?

• Oral care should begin even before teeth erupt to ensure a pattern of good dental habits.
• The enamel on primary teeth is not as thick as on adult teeth, therefore young children need extra care to avoid decay.
• Brushing should be introduced as soon as teeth erupt and flossing introduced as soon as teeth are touching.
• As soon as a child's teeth erupt they can be affected by a child's diet.
• Avoid extended exposure to sugary liquids and starchy or sugary foods.
• Regular, six-month dental checkups will keep decay in check; and should begin as soon as teeth erupt into your child's mouth.

Why treat primary (baby) teeth?

• The primary molars and canines usually remain in place until eleven or twelve years of age.  
• By the age of three, untreated children can already have extensive decay.
• Untreated decay will progress, and the tooth may ultimately require more complex treatment or extraction.
• Permanent teeth use the primary teeth as a guide for position.
• If primary teeth are extracted prematurly and the space is not maintained then loss of space in the mouth can occur, requiring the need for orthodontics to regain space for the permanent teeth.
• Children with missing or decayed teeth may not be able to eat properly.
• Pain or discomfort while chewing may affect a child’s nutritional and caloric intake.
• Facial appearance may be affected by tooth loss and children may be embarrassed by unsightly teeth.