Tooth decay is the most chronic disease of childhood, affecting 50% of children by their mid-childhood years and 70% by their late teens. A primary cause of tooth decay is the consumption of sugar. Here are some tips for those who want to enjoy holiday treats while preventing tooth decay:
- Don’t suck on hard sugar containing candies for long periods of time. This bathes the teeth with acids that attack tooth enamel.
- Limit the frequency of candy exposure. Four candy bars eaten at once cause less damage than one candy bar eaten over a long period of time. What counts is the number of times that teeth are exposed to sweets and how long they are in the mouth.
- Brush your teeth or rinse with water after eating candy or sweets. Don’t brush directly after eating sour candy or drinking soda, as this will remove more of the already softened enamel. Instead, rinse your mouth with water.
- Use fluoridated toothpaste to help remineralize your teeth. Over-the-counter or prescription fluoride applications help to prevent the formation of cavities, as do prescription fluoridated vitamins and the fluoride treatments we give to children during their check-ups.
Please discuss the various means of fluoride administration with us at your next check-up and look for additional advice on smarter snacking in our next newsletter.
We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!
Sincerely,
Dr. Sylvia Irwin
Brighter Smiles Dental
