Taking Good Care of Family Teeth

American homes are now loaded with Halloween candy and pounds of sugar, an important link with bacteria in tooth decay. Did you know that an estimated 51.7 million school hours are lost each year due to dental-related illness?  However, most tooth decay is easily preventable according to the American Dental Association research and reports.

  There are a few major trends that are creating more tooth decay. There are many gummy items for purchase, such as gummy vitamins and gummy snacks for children.  Gummy equals sticky. Sticky things that contain sugar get stuck on your teeth and combine with sugar for tooth decay!

  Americans are also a population on the go.  Some families take sugary drinks and juices to sip on all day long. Sipping all day long or chewing on gummy snacks sets up anyone for tooth decay. If family members, especially children, are not able to brush their teeth after meals because they are at work or school, their teeth will be bathing in decay -causing acids created by the bacteria in the mouth.  These acid attacks last for about 20 minutes. If the acid attacks are frequent throughout the day, tooth decay can occur.

Good Teeth Health Choices

  Making good food and drink choices can help reduce family tooth decay. Stay away from food that can stick to your teeth, such as gummy snacks, caramel, or sugary candy. If you can’t brush your teeth after you eat, drink water in between meals and/or chew on sugarless gum. Pack water and ice cubes thermos for children to sip.

   According to the ADA, chewing on sugarless gum increases the flow of saliva, which washes away food and other debris. It neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Increased saliva flow also carries with it more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel. Of course, chewing sugarless gum is not a replacement for daily tooth brushing, flossing, or regular dental checkups. 

Visit the Dentist

  Dentists encourage children as young as one year old to visit the dental office.  By doing this, families establish a “Dental Home” and help children be more familiar with the dental staff. 

  Besides limiting the amount of candy stash children eat, what else can families do? Here are helpful tooth tips for a healthier smile:

·  Brush after meals and before bedtime.  If you can only brush once a day, make sure it is before you go to sleep.

·  Use a soft toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day. 

·  If you don’t have access to a toothbrush during the day, drink water and chew sugarless gum.

·  Visit your dentist regularly!  Twice a year is best to prevent any problems before they become severe.

·  If adults take care of their smile, (grand) children will too. 

   Make a tooth-brushing chart.  Children can help decorate the calendar-like chart. They can earn a star or a sticker when they brush their teeth and inspected by an adult. At the end of the week, they can earn a prize, such as going to a movie or watching a movie at home while staying up a little later. Thank you to guest writer Rebecca Maino, R.D.H. 

Photos: Fran Darling-fdarling fotos; Mark Nowicki

More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest