Dental hygiene education fortifies pearly whites

When it comes to children and their health, dental hygiene is often disregarded. Some parents may not be concerned with their children’s “baby” primary teeth because eventually they fall out and are replaced with permanent teeth.

However, primary teeth are vital to the development of permanent teeth, and what we allow our children to eat can cause their developmental demise.

Primary teeth also allow children to chew, aid in speech development, guide the adult teeth into proper position and give children a big beautiful smile.

Nutritional habits can be a chore for even the most responsible adults. Even dental assistants fall victim to the infamous sugar rush.

Consuming sugar on a regular basis can expose teeth to harmful bacteria that cause the breakdown of tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Bacteria, both good and bad, are present on the teeth, gums and tongue constantly.

Although some of the bacteria aid in the digestion process, it is the harmful bacteria that are attracted to the harder surfaces of the mouth such as the teeth. This bacterium clings to the tooth, and if not properly removed daily, the bacteria will begin to colonize, release acid and start a cavity.

Logically, parents will assume that they can eliminate their children’s intake of sugar by removing candy, snacks and sugary cereals from their diet, but even “nutritional” foods may contain as much sugar as some of our favorite candies and snacks.

For instance, raisins can contain up to four teaspoons of sugar and bananas contain 48 percent sugar. However, there are a number of tools to defeat these bacterial monsters.

The most important weapons are a toothbrush and floss. Brushing and flossing regularly can reduce bacteria and prevent them from sitting on your or your child’s teeth all day creating acid and causing cavities.

Limiting the number of sugar exposures also decreases the risk of cavities. For example, the difference between sipping on one soda all day long versus drinking that same soda in a single sitting does make a difference. Exposing teeth to a tremendous amount of sugar and acid over a long period of time increases the risk for cavities. Though soda is not great, it is better for teeth to drink it in a relatively short period of time.

Educating yourself on dental hygiene and nutrition can eliminate your child’s risk of decay and spare the expenses of dental care. For more information or questions, contact the 86th Dental Squadron at 479-2210 or 06371-46-2210.