Preventing Preschool Caries

Preventing Preschool Caries

It’s an unfortunate combination in young children: trends toward too much sugar (even from “healthy” carbs like whole-wheat crackers) and too little toothbrushing (allowed by parents who don’t want to force their toddlers to do something they don’t enjoy), along with some nasty bacteria called mutans streptococcus. The result is a significant rise in dental caries—the infection commonly known as “cavities”—in American preschoolers. Four million preschoolers, in fact—40% of children age 2 to 5—have at least one cavity, up from about 3.4 million a decade ago.

Genetics plays a role in caries susceptibility; a child of parents who had multiple cavities in youth will be more likely to suffer as well. Still, severe caries is not inevitable even then. Because the bacteria thrive where sugar is present, creating acid that leaches calcium from teeth and weakens their structure, dental-health vigilance to eliminate sugar on tooth surfaces becomes even more important.

Of course, parents should try to keep the teeth of any preschooler as strong and sugar-free as possible. Here’s how:

• Keep the consumption of sugar—and foods that turn to sugar, like breads—to a minimum. Gobbling a big candy bar in 10 minutes, then brushing—while not a good daily habit for a small tummy—is better for a preschooler’s teeth than nibbling on tiny crackers or sipping fruit juice off and (mostly) on all day long. Sugar stays on the teeth, and the bacteria feast.
• Have your child brush at least twice daily to physically remove sugars from tooth surfaces.
• Supply fluoride, as prescribed by us or your child’s doctor, especially if your preschooler drinks mostly unfluoridated water. Fluoride strengthens tooth structure.
• Ask us about giving your child lollipops flavored with xylitol, which can kill cavity-causing bacteria.

Multiple cavities in a frightened preschooler are challenging to treat. Some dentists turn to general anesthesia—which has its own risks—to more easily treat all the teeth at once. It’s far preferable to try to prevent caries in the first place, even if a nightly tiff with Tiffany at teeth-brushing time is the result.

And don’t forget to bring your child to KiDDS Dental for a dental check-up several times a year. That way, we can assess your child’s oral health and suggest ways to prevent preschool cavities.

If you have questions about cavity prevention, click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.

Pacifier or Finger or Thumb: Does It Matter?

Pacifier or Finger or Thumb: Does It Matter?

Whether it’s a finger, thumb or pacifier, the comfort object your baby sucks allows him or her to self-soothe and even learn about the world in some basic ways. In fact, babies even suck their thumbs or fingers before birth. After birth, most babies who enjoy sucking between feedings demonstrate a preference for pacifier or thumb or finger. In terms of dental development, all three affect (or don’t affect) oral structures equally.

If you’re worried about your child’s sucking habit, remember―your child won’t leave for college with a pacifier in his or her mouth. Ideally, children stop their sucking habit—on their own or with help—by the time the permanent teeth begin emerging, usually around age 6. Some experts believe that the practice should be addressed when a child is 3 years old; others suggest age 4 or even 5.

Knowing that the habit will have to stop—or be stopped—someday, some parents think (logically): It’s easier to rid a home of pacifiers than it is to rid a child of his or her fingers and thumbs, so they try to steer their sucking infant toward pacifiers from the beginning. They figure that will leave their children without options when it’s time to quit, having long ago dismissed the possibility of their fingers or thumbs as an attractive replacement.

Other pros and cons? Both pacifiers and hands can be full of germs, and those organisms can end up in your child’s mouth. But both pacifiers and hands can be washed as often as necessary. Pacifier use may lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS); it may, however, increase the risk of ear infections.

Again, as long as the practice stops before the permanent teeth start coming in, sucking habits will most likely have no effect on your child’s teeth, mouth or jaw. If your preschooler is old enough to begin to comprehend consequences, though, all of us can talk together at your next visit to KiDDS Dental about why giving up the pacifier, thumb or finger as soon as possible would be a good idea.

Call us to schedule an appointment today!  509-891-7070.