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Answers on Preventive Dentistry

1. What is preventive dentistry?

   A visit to your Pediatric Dentist will get your child a jump start on good oral health. Preventive services generally include: professional tooth cleaning, polishing and fluoride treatments. During your visit to your Pediatric Dentist, your dentist may apply sealants to protect your child from tooth decay, prescribe customized sports mouth guards to help your child avoid sports related injuries, and provide early diagnosis and care of orthodontic problems.

   A program of preventive dentistry for children includes the following components:

   • brushing
   • regular checkups
   • flossing
   • fluorides
   • oral habits
   • orthodontics
   • parent involvement
   • proper diet
   • sealants
   • sports safety

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2. Why is preventive dentistry important?

   The adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is as true for pediatric dentistry as it is in other areas of medicine. Regular checkups and proper preventions today can reduce major dental problems and expensive treatments later.

   Studies have shown that children with good oral health tend to eat better, learn to speak faster, and maintain better general health. Good oral health and a healthy smile can go a long way to making your child feel more attractive, develop higher confidence, and grow up more healthy.

   Children experiencing pain from decayed teeth or unhealthy gum on the other hand can be distracted and unable to concentrate on schoolwork. Children with poor oral health tend to have decreased school performance and poorer social relationships, these studies show. (Back to top)

3. When should preventive dentistry start?

   Preventive dentistry should begin with the eruption of the first tooth. Get your child a jump-start on a lifetime of good dental health with early preventive care, early education, and good oral hygine habits. (Back to top)

4. What role do parents play in prevention?

   After evaluating your child's dental health, your pediatric dentist will design a personalized program of home care for your child. This program will include proper brushing and flossing instructions, diet counseling, and if necessary, fluoride recommendations. By following these directions, you as a parent can help get your child started on a lifetime of healthy habits. (Back to top)

5. What causes tooth decay and how can they be prevented?

   Dental decay is a type of infection of the tooth. Four things are necessary for cavities to form: 1) a tooth; 2) bacteria; 3) sugars or other carbohydrates; and 4) time. We can share with you how to make teeth strong, by developing healthy habits that keeps bacteria from organizing into harmful colonies and minimizing the time bacteria is in a form that is most destructive. (Back to top)

6. Can Xylitol gums reduce the risk of cavities?

   The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes the benefits of Xylitol on the oral health of infants, children, adolescents, and persons with special health care needs.

   The use of XYLITOL GUM by mothers (2-3 times per day) starting 3 months after delivery and until the child was 2 years old, has proven to reduce cavities up to 70% by the time the child was 5 years old.

   Studies using Xylitol as either a sugar substitute or a small dietary addition have demonstrated a dramatic reduction in new tooth decay, along with some reversal of existing dental caries. These studies have shown that the use of Xylitol is associated with low or even reverse decay rates, which in many cases persist even years after the trials have been completed.

   Xylitol is widely distributed throughout nature in small amounts. Some of the best sources are fruits, berries, mushrooms, lettuce, hardwoods, and corn cobs. One cup of raspberries contains less than one gram of Xylitol.

   To find gum or other products containing Xylitol, visit your local health food store or search the Internet to find products containing 100% Xylitol.

7. How can I help my child embark on good dental health?

   The following steps will help your child embark on a lifetime of good dental health:

   1. Reduce frequent snacking
   2. Brush effectively twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
   3. Floss daily
   4. Have sealants applied when appropriate
   5. Assure proper fluoride through drinking water, fluoride products or fluoride supplements
   6. Control unhealthy thumb, finger and pacifier habits
   7. Seek regular dental check-ups

   Your Pediatric Dentist will provide you with these and other information during your regular checkup.

   Remember, by visiting your dentist early early and regularly, we can help catch potential problems early in time, avoiding unnecessary cavities and dental treatments down the road. Regular visits can also help us provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding preventive dental care. (Back to top)

8. Can dental injuries be prevented?

   A few precautions during your normal daily routine will go a long way toward reducing the risk of oral trauma to your kid. If your kid participates in sports, you they should wear sports mouth guards – preferably ones custom-made to fit your child by a professional such as your Pediatric Dentist. If your child is young enough, always use a car seat. For older kids, require them (and everyone else for that matter!) to use seat belts. You should also childproof your home to reduce the risks of falls, electrical injuries, and choking (i.e. from small objects). Finally, take your kid to visit to your Pediatric Dentist regularly - who can tailor provide more detailed advice based on the unique situations of your child. (Back to top)