NEWSLETTER As of: 5/9/2007

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Something to chew on...Dental Health

This month’s topic is an important one that, unfortunately, is all too often glanced over or entirely forgotten when the discussion of preventative health care arises. I’m talking TEETH people! Proper dental care is essential for good health, proper development and self-esteem.
1) Just the facts:
Tooth decay is an infectious transmissible disease caused by acid producing bacteria and is the single most prevalent disease in childhood.
Transmission of the decay causing bacteria is primarily from mother or caregiver to child. (How many of us can remember putting our child’s pacifier in our own mouths?)
Children can also acquire the bacteria from playing together and sharing toys or any other item that can transfer saliva from one mouth to another.
It can cost up to $5000 to treat each child with severe tooth decay. Many of these children require hospitalization and sedation to receive treatment.
Not only can tooth decay lead to recurrent abscesses of a child’s gums but it can cause constant dull, unremitting pain. Imagine what trying to sleep would be like! Can you imagine how hard it would be to concentrate in class? Could your child be mistakenly diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder? Hmmmm…..

TOOTH DECAY IS PREVENTABLE!!!

2) Dental health begins BEFORE birth:
Did you know that pregnant women who have tooth decay have a 20% increased chance of having a low birth weight baby? Women who are pregnant should have a thorough dental examination or, better yet, take steps to ensure good oral health before becoming pregnant. Taking steps to modify an expecting mother’s dental flora from birth until the child is two years old can significantly affect the child’s dental flora. This can be as easy as using anti-bacterials, specifically chlorhexidine and xylitol. Chlorohexidine comes in the form of a prescription mouth wash but it can taste pretty awful. Xylitol comes in many over the counter gums, mints, and lozenges. Optimally it should be the first ingredient listed in these over the counter items.

3) Primary teeth:
The primary teeth start to erupt around 6 months of age. They usually begin with the two lower incisors and finish up with the 2 year molars. The range in age of when a child will cut his/her first tooth depends strongly on their genetic make-up. Some children can be born with teeth (known as natal teeth), can cut them as young as 4 months of age, or as late as 15 months. In all, your child will have 20 primary teeth (also known as deciduous teeth) that begin to fall out at 6-7 years of age. Generally, the later a child gets his/her first tooth, the later they will lose their first tooth.

4) Teeth are important:
Primary teeth are important for several reasons. They are essential for eating, and proper speech development. They hold space for the permanent teeth and are important for smiling, which is an essential contribution to a child’s self-esteem.

5) Start Early:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that every child receive oral health risk assessments by 6 months of age by a pediatrician or qualified pediatric health care professional.
It is never too early to start brushing. We usually recommend a newborn start having his/her gums rubbed or brushed with a washcloth or soft bristled toothbrush. This will not only clean the infant’s mouth but will also get them used to idea of routine brushing. Once the primary teeth begin to erupt, a PEA-SIZED amount of fluoridated toothpaste should be used. Caregivers should help their child brush until they are about 8 years old.
Drinking fluoridated water will also aid in the reduction of tooth decay. Not all of our households have fluoridated water. Here at the office we have lists of areas with fluoridation so ask the next time you are here. If your water’s fluoride content is sub-optimal there are fluoride drops or tablets that can be prescribed. Too much fluoride is not necessarily a good thing so it is best to test your water before starting extra supplements.

See a dentist:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your child see a dentist starting at age 3 years. Some dentists like to see them sooner. You should ask yours about this. Remember: new state law now requires your child to see a dentist less than 5 months before starting Kindergarten.
That’s it! Happy Brushing! We look forward to seeing all those smiling faces! Dr. McNerney

NEWS CORNER
May is a great time for checkups, before the summer rush!
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