Cavities in children

From the time of the first tooth eruption, many parents know how important it is to care for their children teeth to keep them healthy.

When the first tooth comes out, it should be cleaned with a wet washcloth, or a soft toothbrush, and water or baby toothpaste. Toothpastes used by adults contain fluoride, and they are not recommended until children learn to spit them out.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your child should have the first dental appointment right after the first birthday. The truth is that many oral dentist refuse to see young children, because of their fidgeting and inability to follow directions. Ask your health care provider for a list of pediatric dentists in your area.

Tooth decay remains one of the most common diseases of childhood, 5 times as common as asthma and 7 times as common as hay fever. Brushing teeth twice a day and regular flossing is crucial to maintain a cavity-free mouth. However, experts say that doing that may not be enough.

Dentists caution that our modern diet full of carbonated beverages and juice contributes to acid erosion of the tooth enamel. Even apparently healthy diets can be full of acidic foods high in ascorbic acid that softens the enamel, such as citrus fruits, berries, and unsweetened lemonade.

Dr. Jessica Meeks, Pediatric oral Dentist, Diplomat, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, recommends that: "Parents need to minimize the risk of acid erosion in their children, because once tooth enamel is gone, it's gone for good. Contrary to the popular advice that it's best to brush right after every meal, children should avoid brushing teeth immediately after consuming acidic food or drinks because this is when the enamel is still soft. Parents can also give their children a foundation for acid erosion protection by having them brush twice daily with Sensodyne ProNamel for Children, a new over-the-counter pediatric toothpaste that can help re-harden softened enamel and protect against further acid attacks."

Children should not avoid healthy acidic foods, but should be taught by parents the proper tooth care to prevent acid tooth erosion.

Dr. Monika Piz is the Editor in Chief of the health, safety, and nutrition departments of Plugged in Parents. She is a pediatric nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree earned at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She has provided health care to infants, children, and adolescents for close to a decade. Dr. Monika's special interests include nutrition, physical activity, and obesity. Since her motto is, "Prevention is the best medicine," teaching her patients the steps to being healthy is one of her professional missions.