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CHILDHOOD DECAY EPIDEMIC: PREVENTABLE. Sue Madden RDH BS Dental Associates. Facts. 20 primary teeth already present in the jaw at birth. Child is born with an almost sterile mouth. By age two the microbiology of the mouth is a mirror image of the main caregiver, usually mom.
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CHILDHOOD DECAY EPIDEMIC:PREVENTABLE Sue Madden RDH BS Dental Associates
Facts • 20 primary teeth already present in the jaw at birth. • Child is born with an almost sterile mouth. • By age two the microbiology of the mouth is a mirror image of the main caregiver, usually mom. • Decay is a contagious disease. • Kissing is the number one transfer of bacteria
Decay in Children • 48% Michigan 3 year olds have had decay • 65% 5 year olds have had decay • Oral disease leading cause of days out of school • More than 16 million children in the U S suffering from untreated tooth decay (CDC) • Disproportionately low income children have twice number decayed teeth not treated
Prevention Healthy eating and drinking habits Education on importance of teeth Regular dental visits Good home care Regular use of fluoride and xylitol
Tips for Daily Care of Teeth • Brush with a soft brush morning and night • Brush in a circular motion with brush on both teeth and gums for at least 2 minutes • Use fluoride toothpaste • Floss or picks can be used between teeth • Brush the soft tissues of the mouth including tongue and cheeks • Rinse with a fluoride mouthrinse if decay history • Use xylitol products
Xylitol • Not a sugar but a sugar alcohol • Five carbon atoms instead of six like normal sugar, bacteria in your mouth are unable to make use of. • Many of the foods we already eat have xylitol in them, examples strawberries, raspberries, mushrooms and most veggies. • Can actually heal slight decay as well as prevent decay • Studies show children chewing xylitol gum, 4mg twice a day, had 40% drops in decay.
Adolescent Decay • Drinks are liquid candy • Readily available • Supersized and free refills • Decrease in drinking fluoridated tap water. • Decrease milk consumption • Sugar laden coffee beverages
Drinks Destroy Teeth An Educational Outreach Program of the Indiana Dental Association
The culprits Soft drinks Sports and energy drinks
Quantity: 2010 Consumption now includes large quantities of sports and energy drinks. Teenage boys drink, on average, three or more cans of soda per day. 10 percent of boys drink seven or more cans each day. The average for teenage girls is two cans per day, 10 percent of girls drink more than five cans every day.
Why do we need to educate? Decay and erosion Erosion and tooth loss
How Drinks Destroy Teeth Quantity Acidity Sugar Timing
Prevention Saves Teeth From Decay and Erosion 4th and 5th graders. Are targeted with two science lessons.
Students Educate through science labs to measure acid, sugar and pH levels of various drinks
Sugar Sugar multiplies the acidic effects of drinks. Some sodas and energy drinks have up to 13 teaspoons of sugar!
DrinksDestroyTeeth.com Dentistry fights back … Knowledge is power!