Prevention

Tooth Decay Prevention

Tooth decay is a progressive disease resulting in the interaction of bacteria that naturally occur on the teeth and carbohydrates (sugars) in the everyday diet. Carbohydrates are the main food source for bacteria. They produce acids that break down the mineral in teeth, forming a cavity. Dr. Fales removes the decay and will restore the tooth to a healthy state using a variety of fillings or perhaps a crown. Nerve damage can result from severe decay. Avoiding unnecessary decay simply requires strict adherence to a dental hygiene regimen: brushing and flossing twice a day, regular dental check-ups, diet control and fluoride treatment. Practicing good hygiene helps you avoid unhealthy teeth and costly treatment.

Sealants

The grooves and depressions that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are extremely difficult (if not impossible) to clean of bacteria and food. As bacteria consumes food, acids are produced and break down the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Recent studies indicate that 88 percent of total cavities in American school children are caused this way. Sealants on permanent molars protect these susceptible areas by sealing the grooves and depressions, preventing bacteria and food particles from residing in these areas.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a substance that helps teeth become stronger and resistant to decay. Regularly drinking water treated with fluoride and brushing and flossing regularly ensures significantly lower cavities. Fales Pediatric Dentistry has fluoride test kits available for purchase if you would like to test your home’s drinking water. Dr. Fales can help you evaluate the level of fluoride in your primary drinking water source and recommend fluoride supplements (usually in tablets or drops), if necessary.

Mouth Guard

Dr. Fales recommends the use of a mouth guard during any activity or sport with the potential for facial injury. Dental injuries are the most common type of injury to the face and many dental injuries can be prevented. Millions of teeth are knocked out each year and most of the time it is the front teeth that are missing. Many dental injuries that occur are due to sports-related accidents when athletes are not wearing any type of mouth guard. Parents and coaches should encourage the correct and consistent use of a mouth guard during games and practices. Most tooth damage or loss can be lessened and prevented by simply using a mouth guard. The cost of repairing a broken/missing tooth can cost 20 times the cost of a mouth guard. If a permanent tooth is lost, it is gone forever. Talk to Dr. Fales or one of our assistants for suggestions about what type of mouth guard will offer the best protection.

Quick Mouth Guard Overview/Choosing a Mouth Guard

Any mouth guard is better than none at all. Choose a mouth guard that your child will wear. A mouth guard should be flexible, comfortable, fit properly and be easy to clean. Three types of mouth guards are available:

  1. Stock Mouth Guards: Sold in sporting goods stores and come in sizes small, medium and large. They are held in place by biting down on them during use.
  2. Boil and Bite Mouth Guards: Sold in sporting goods stores. The mouth guard material is softened in boiling water and then formed to fit in your child's mouth. This type is not to be used for children wearing braces. Ask Dr. Fales about mouth guards for braces.
  3. Custom Made Mouth Guard: These mouth guards are made by Dr. Fales to fit exactly in your mouth. An impression is taken of your child's mouth and then a custom mouth guard is created.

Xylitol

Xylitol (pronounced zi-le-tol) is a sugar substitute not well known in the United States that occurs naturally and is even produced by the human body during its normal metabolism of glucose, which is a simple sugar that is the main source of energy for the body. Pure Xylitol is a white crystalline substance that looks and tastes almost exactly like table sugar (i.e., sucrose), but with 40% fewer calories and none of the negative tooth decay or insulin release effects of table sugar. In fact, Xylitol is the sweetest of all bulk sugar substitutes.

What are the Benefits of Xylitol?

  • Battles and reduces cavities up to 80%
  • Fights and reduces tooth plaque formation
  • Reverses early cavity formation & thus stimulates teeth reminerialization
  • Lowers harmful acid production & raises the mouth pH balance to a safe level above 5.7
  • Inhibits the ability of cavity-causing, plaque-forming bacteria to adhere to teeth
  • Increases salivary flow
  • Minimizes tooth scarring and puffy gums that can occur when wearing orthodontic braces
  • Reduces new cavity formation even after xylitol use has been discontinued
  • Compliments fluoride in oral hygiene products
  • Can replace fluoride in oral hygiene products
  • Fights and lessens the occurrence of inner ear and sinus infection
  • Reduces the amount of cavities in children when their mothers consistently used xylitol-rich products during and after their pregnancy

Is Xylitol Safe?

Xylitol is perfectly safe for the human body, and has been given the FDA’s safest rating as a food additive. Xylitol is a low-glycaemic sweetener and is metabolized independently of insulin. Xylitol does not cause the sharp increase in blood sugar level or the associated serum insulin response, which is usually seen following consumption of other carbohydrates. Thus, Xylitol can be recommended as a sugar-free sweetener suitable for diabetics as well as for the general population seeking a healthier lifestyle.

Thumb Sucking

Sucking is a natural reflex that relaxes and comforts babies and toddlers. Children usually cease thumb sucking when the permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Typically, children stop between the ages of 2 and 4 years. Thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of primary teeth can cause improper growth of the mouth and misalignment of the teeth. If you notice prolonged and/or vigorous thumb sucking behavior in your child, talk to your dentist.

Here are some ways to help your child outgrow thumb sucking:

  1. Don’t scold a child when they exhibit thumb sucking behavior; instead, praise them when they don’t thumb suck.
  2. Focus on eliminating the cause of anxiety – thumb sucking is a comfort device that helps children cope with stress or discomfort.
  3. Praise them when they refrain from the habit during difficult periods.

Sometimes Dr. Fales will recommend a bluegrass appliance. This appliance is successful in getting a child to stop sucking his/her thumb. Please call our office if you would like detailed information regarding the bluegrass appliance.