Sealing Out Dental Cavities

If your child’s permanent teeth have started to erupt, we may have discussed dental sealants with you. This invisible coating routinely applied to the teeth protects all of their ridges, grooves, nooks and crannies from decay-causing bacteria. We usually recommend dental sealants for children as soon as their permanent molars are in, before the teeth have a chance to decay. Not only is this treatment simple but it can save a lot of time, money and discomfort in the future.

Sealants are applied at KiDDS Dental, using a quick and comfortable process―your child will not even see or hear a drill.

To apply this protective coating, we will usually do the following:

• Thoroughly clean and dry the teeth to be sealed.
• Put a special acid gel on the chewing surface of the tooth that roughens the surface and helps the sealant bond to the tooth.
• Rinse off the gel and dry the tooth.
• Paint the sealant onto the tooth, where it will bond to the tooth’s surface. Sometimes a special light is used to help the sealant harden in place.

Once a sealant is placed, it can last for up to 10 years. At each subsequent dental appointment, we will check the sealants to ensure that they are intact. In some cases, we may have to reapply the sealant so that it continues to protect against decay.

While sealants protect the top surfaces of the tooth most likely to decay, your child still has to brush and floss regularly. Regular brushing (twice a day) and flossing (once a day) are critical to protect all surfaces from decay and gum disease throughout a child’s and adult’s life.

If your child’s permanent teeth are starting to come in, it is very important that he or she comes in to see Dr. Jared. Call our office for an appointment so we can assess your child’s oral health and, if the time is right, apply sealants to protect the chewing surfaces of the teeth from bacteria and decay.

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

The Obesity–Cavity Correlation

One has been called a public health crisis; the other is the most common chronic infectious disease occurring in children. But both can affect a child’s growth, health and self-esteem. We’re talking about obesity and dental caries (cavities). The two are not only growing health concerns but may be related.

Within the past decade, several studies have shown a possible correlation between obesity and dental decay in children. Experts aren’t sure why or how―or even if―the two conditions are related. One study by researchers from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio found that as body mass index went up, so did the risk of cavities. Another study, published by the National Institutes of Health, suggested that childhood obesity may cause premature permanent tooth development, which can lead to decay and jaw problems. These findings are concerning, especially because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that one in seven low-income preschoolers is obese and at risk for dental caries or periodontitis.

The long-term health effects of childhood obesity are well known, but many parents might not be as familiar with the problems caused by dental caries. Severe caries can have an impact on a child’s speech and language development, as well as sleep, learning and eating habits. The good news is that the same dietary changes can help reduce your child’s risk of both conditions. A healthy diet, emphasizing fresh foods (fruits, vegetables, proteins and complex carbohydrates) over processed foods and a reduced sugar intake (especially from sugary sodas and candy), can be a great start.

We may not be sure why children who are overweight tend to get more cavities, but we can make a healthier lifestyle a priority. If you’re not sure where to start, ask us for nutrition recommendations that can benefit your children’s teeth—and their waistlines!

Click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.

The Hidden Dangers of Flavored Waters

Flavored waters seem harmless enough. After all, they are not sodas, and drinking plenty of water is an important part of staying healthy. And some of them even contain vitamins! Sounds like a smart way to keep your child hydrated, right? Not so fast. While flavored waters may seem like healthy choices at first glance, studies have shown that many ingredients in flavored waters—including high fructose corn syrup, ascorbic acid and artificial colors—actually contribute to tooth decay and the erosion of tooth enamel.

Sure, getting plenty of vitamins is important, but combining vitamins with sugary drinks is not the best choice. What’s more, the vitamin C contained in many flavored water drinks can cause the protective enamel on the tooth’s surface to wear away over time. Vitamin C (often added as ascorbic acid) attacks tooth enamel, causing it to break down. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should avoid vitamin C, but bathing your child’s teeth in ascorbic acid isn’t the best way to do it. A better option: Feed your child foods high in vitamins and skip the vitamin-enriched waters. Getting vitamins from natural food sources also allows them to be better absorbed by the body.

The same goes for corn syrup. Although, ounce for ounce, corn syrup has been shown to result in less tooth decay than refined sugar, drinking flavored waters on a regular basis poses a much more serious cavity risk than plain water or even unsweetened fruit juices. And despite their healthy hype, flavored waters contain a lot more sweetener than you might imagine. Many bottles of flavored water contain as much sugar as a doughnut. What’s more, studies have shown that regular consumption of flavored waters increases the risks of both obesity and diabetes.

The bottom line is this: While an occasional bottle of flavored water may not be harmful, turning it into a habit is not a good idea. Teach your child to drink plain water when thirsty, and provide lots of vitamin-rich natural snacks, like fresh fruits and vegetables. If you let your children indulge in flavored water as a treat, make sure that they rinse well once they finish drinking to remove traces of ascorbic acid and to reduce the risk of dental erosion.

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

More Calcium Equals Better Dental Health

Good nutrition is an important component of good oral health. We all know that children should avoid sugary snacks, especially soda and candy that stick to the teeth. Calcium consumption may play a significant role in maintaining your child’s healthy smile. In addition to milk, there are several other foods that will add calcium to your child’s diet.

Most of us were told as children that milk helps to build strong bones. That is true—and it builds strong teeth as well. Milk is one of our primary sources of calcium, and while milk does contain lactose, a form of sugar, lactose is one of the least-damaging sugars to teeth. Experts routinely recommend that milk and water be the only drinks offered to children between meals.

However, there is an important caveat here: While milk may be good for your child’s teeth during the day, it can be detrimental at night. Letting your toddler go to sleep with a bottle of milk encourages prolonged exposure to the sugars in the milk and can actually cause decay.

But milk is not the only good source of calcium. Consider adding the following to your child’s diet:

• Yogurt contains calcium and the added benefit of probiotics, encouraging the growth of “good” bacteria in your child’s mouth and digestive tract. Check the ingredients on the yogurt you purchase, however, and make sure it does not contain large amounts of sugar.
• Cheese, too, has added benefits. Many studies have found that cheese stimulates the flow of saliva in the mouth, which washes away decay-causing food particles and lowers the level of acid in the mouth. Consider adding cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack or another cheese to your child’s meals or as a snack.
• Dark, leafy greens such as kale, collard greens and spinach are also good sources of calcium. While children may not get excited about eating green vegetables, include them in your meals when your children are young, and they are more likely to become fans.

When you encourage healthy eating early on, your child will develop good habits that last a lifetime. For more tips on encouraging a healthy diet, call us for an appointment with Dr. Jared or ask us at your child’s next checkup at KiDDS Dental. We are always happy to discuss foods that can help keep your child’s teeth healthy for years to come.