Fighting tooth decay 24/7

  • Published
  • By 7th Medical Group
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A child's first visit to the dentist should be between 12 and 24 months when the primary teeth begin to erupt. An early visit to the local dentist encourages young children to feel comfortable going to the dentist's office before a dental emergency arises. This can prevent young children from being afraid of the dentist at future visits. If a dental concern arises, the child should see a dentist as soon as possible.

Children will begin losing their primary teeth near 6 years of age. They will usually lose their front teeth first. Children will continue to lose teeth until the age of 12 or 13, when all of the permanent teeth finally erupt, with the exception of their third molars or "wisdom teeth."

It is very important to maintain the primary teeth because they hold space for the future eruption of the permanent teeth. If a primary tooth decays or is removed too early, the space for the permanent tooth is lost and can only be regained through orthodontic treatment. Infected primary teeth can cause permanent teeth to develop improperly, resulting in stains, pits and weaker enamel.

The most cost-effective methods for preventing cavities are the use of fluoridated water, fluoride toothpastes and dental sealants. When the correct amount is in community water supplies, fluoride is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health for a lifetime.

Fluoridated water alone, however, is not enough to prevent dental disease. Brushing your teeth with a soft brush and American Dental Association accepted fluoride toothpaste coupled with daily flossing will further reduce risk of tooth decay.

Parents with children under 6 should brush their child's teeth with a pea-sized dab of toothpaste. If the child is able to spit on their own, the child may use ADA accepted fluoridated toothpaste that you use. If the child is unable to spit or tends to swallow most of the toothpaste, a non-fluoridated toothpaste is recommended. It is necessary to supervise older children as well to ensure they are effectively removing bacteria and plaque from around their teeth and gums.

Good oral health practices should begin in infancy and continue throughout adult life. As the children grow the parents will need to instruct, monitor and motivate them to maintain good oral health habits. Attitudes and habits established at an early age are critical in maintaining good oral health throughout life.

Dental sealants are also a great way to prevent tooth decay in children and young adults. Sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and pre-molars to help seal out the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
The dental professionals of the Dyess dental clinic encourage routine preventive childhood dental care. Members may enroll for dental insurance (TriCare) through United Concordia Insurance. Visit the Web site at www.ucci.com for more information.