Our entire dental team at Beacon Family Dentistry in Jacksonville, Florida wants to help you and your children end cavities and gum disease. It’s a sad fact that most adults experience gingivitis (early stage gum disease) and many develop a chronic inflammation that advances to periodontitis. Also, many adults get dental cavities…not just children.
Periodontitis damages the gum and bone tissue surrounding teeth, erodes tooth roots, and leads to tooth loss. Adults also suffer from dental cavities, even though not as frequently as in childhood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 42% of children ages 2 to 11 have had cavities in baby teeth and 21% of children ages 6 to 11 have had cavities in permanent teeth.
“Many children today never have a cavity and never need a dental filling,” says Dr. Lysandro Tapnio. “But, this kind of oral health requires dedication on the part of both child and parents to develop oral hygiene and dietary habits that support healthy gums and tooth enamel. Due to oral bacteria, avoidance of sugar is very important.”
What causes dental cavities?
Tiny bits of food, saliva, and oral bacteria form a sticky substance that clings to teeth. This substance is called “dental plaque.” Bacteria in this plaque produce an acid as they feed on the carbohydrates we eat. This acid demineralizes (erodes) our dental enamel. When the erosion creates a hole in the enamel, it is called a “dental cavity.” The process of dental demineralization is the dental disease called “caries.” By eliminating plaque, we reduce the amount of bacteria in our mouths that produce erosive acid and irritate gum tissue.
Because caries is an active disease that always becomes more severe if it is not treated, you want to do everything you can to prevent it, have regular dental checkups to find it early, and promptly schedule treatment if you have it. Dr. Tapnio will stop your cavity from growing by cleaning out the bacteria and damaged tooth surface inside, and then protecting the inside of the tooth with a composite/ Treatment for severe caries may require a crown, root canal and crown, or even dental extraction.
What can you do to help yourself and your family prevent cavities?
- Eat a balanced diet that is low in carbohydrates and especially low in sugar.
- Schedule professional teeth cleanings at the regular intervals recommended by Dr. Tapnio and registered dental hygienist.
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily, with the last brushing occurring before bedtime. Floss your teeth before this last brushing of the day. Brush after every meal and sugary snack as much as possible; otherwise drink lots of water.
- Use a fluoride mouth rinse. For the children in your household, make sure the rinse does not contain alcohol, and monitor the usage. Make sure they are swishing and spitting—not swallowing it. Make sure they swish with the rinse before bedtime. We are happy to recommend appropriate rinses.
- Some people have deep pits in the sides and tops of their molars. These pits make it more difficult to fully clean out food debris with a toothbrush. Children have more problems with this because they are not as dedicated to their brushing. Our two recommendations are (1) use an electronic toothbrush, which will clean teeth up to 30% more effectively, and (2) have us treat the at-risk, pitted surfaces of your child’s permanent teeth with sealants.
- Acidic beverages such as coffee, soft drinks, and sports drinks also erode minerals from dental enamel. Rinse with water or clean your teeth after these types of drinks. Chewing sugarless gum will increase saliva flow and also help clear away acidic fluids.
- If teeth have become sensitive, it may be due to low mineralization. We recommend fluoride varnish be applied to the teeth and that you use a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. Both will put extra minerals on the surfaces of the teeth and counter balance mineral loss due to dental plaque and acidic foods and beverages.
- If teeth are crowded tightly together, it is more difficult for you and your children to clean between teeth. Orthodontic treatment not only provides a more beautiful smile, it also aligns teeth for an optimal bite and spacing. Don’t be surprised if Dr. Tapnio recommends orthodontics for teens and adults for health reasons, not just cosmetic ones. The good news is that if you need orthodontic treatment, Dr. Tapnio has experience and expertise with multiple types of orthodontic technology and can treat you in the most effective way for you.
Remember you have control over your and your children’s diet, daily oral hygiene habits, and dental appoint scheduling for cleanings, checkups, and recommended treatments. Minimize sugar! Stay on a regular schedule dental appointments so we can “nip any problems in the bud.” Give us a call today!