Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the #1 most common chronic childhood disease with over 51 million school hours being lost each year due to dental-related illness. Surprising or not, tooth decay is 5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever. The good news is, however, that it's 100 percent preventable.

Factors That Promote Tooth Decay

Understanding the factors that promote tooth decay can help you take the necessary steps to reduce your child's risk for tooth decay and keep his or her teeth healthy and looking good for a lifetime. There is not a scientific formula that can predict exactly who will get tooth decay and who will not. However, there are a few risk factors that may increase your child's chances of getting tooth decay, including:

1. Tooth position- Because they are harder to clean and properly remove plaque, crowded or rotated teeth increase your child's risk for cavities or tooth decay.
2. Lack of proper oral hygiene- If your child doesn't clean their teeth after eating and drinking, plaque builds up and erosion can occur. Often undetected, plaque attacks the teeth and gums and often leads to tooth decay.
3. Frequent snacking throughout the day- If your child frequently snack or drinks sodas, the acid has more time to attack their teeth and wear them down.
4. Dry mouth- Dry mouth, also known as Xerostomia, is caused by a deficiency of saliva. Saliva plays an important role in preventing tooth decay, since it is in charge of washing away food and plaque from your teeth.
5. Broken down fillings or restorations- If you child has dental fillings, they can become weak and breakdown over time. This provides a safe haven for bacteria and increases plaque buildup.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

As kids grow, plan on routine dental checkups anywhere from once every 3 months to once a year, depending on the dentist's recommendations. Other ways to prevent tooth decay include:

• It's important for your children to brush their teeth at least twice a day, preferably with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Brushing before going to bed and after each meal (if possible) is also important.
• Use dental floss to clean between your teeth at least once a day to remove any food particles.
• Limit snacks and provide healthier meals. Carbohydrates and sugary foods stick to the surface of the teeth and leave your children at a higher risk of acquiring plaque buildup, which leads to tooth decay.
• In certain cases, dental sealants can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from decay.