Dentist Dunwoody: 6 Easy Ways to Prevent Cavities in Kids

Kids and cavities seem to go hand in hand.  According to the CDC, 28 percent of children ages 2 through 5 have at least one dental cavity, compared to 24 percent a decade ago.

Although a 4 percent increase may not seem like a lot, it represents thousands and thousands of children and cavities -- as well as a trend in the opposite direction of the last 40 years, when tooth decay had been on the gradual decline.

So if you have children and cavities are a concern, here are six easy ways to reduce the risk:

1. Avoid giving your baby juice or formula at night.  The sugar in juice and formula causes the bacteria in the mouth to produce the acids that cause baby bottle tooth decay. Use fluoridated water instead.

2. Choose low-fat foods from the basic food groups. Raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole-grain breads and low-fat dairy products are great for your child's overall health and their dental health!

3. If you must, give sweets only as a dessert. If your child must have sweets, limit it to dessert or following a main meal. Late-night snacking and frequent snacking are a major culprit of cavities in children.

4. Invest in a water filter. Instead of spending extra on bottled water, invest in a filter for your sink, or a filtered water pitcher.  Fluoridated tap water is an excellent resource to help the battle between children and cavities.

5. Don't share cups or utensils. Cavities are contagious. So if you have them, you can pass them onto your child by sharing cups and utensils.

6. If you smoke, stop. The University of Rochester's Strong Children's Research Center has discovered a link between smoking, children and cavities. Results from a study show that children of parents who smoke are more likely to develop cavities.  This is only a correlation, not cause and effect.

Beyond these easy and inexpensive ways to prevent cavities in children, you might consider having your dentist apply sealants to your child’s teeth.  Finally, socialize your kids to brush multiple times a day.  And if we can be of help or answer your questions, please feel free to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com



Dentist Sandy Springs: How much do Dental Sealants cost?

About 90% of the decay found in children’s teeth occurs in tooth surfaces with pits and fissures. To solve this problem, dental sealants were developed to act as a physical barrier so that cavity-causing bacteria cannot invade the pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of back (posterior) teeth.

A sealant is a plastic resin material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This material is bonded into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces and acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from attack by plaque and/or acids.

The dentist, hygienist or assistant cleans and dries the teeth to be treated, then paints a thin layer of liquid plastic material on the pits and fissures of the tooth. A blue spectrum natural light is shone on the material for a few seconds to cure the plastic. Some brands of sealants cure chemically.

After curing, the plastic becomes a hard, thin layer covering the treated portions of the tooth. Despite the incredible pressures placed on teeth during chewing each day, dental sealants often remain effective for five years or longer, although sealants do wear naturally and should be checked at regular intervals. If sealants wear or become damaged, they can be repaired or replaced simply by applying new sealant material to the worn or damaged portions.

Children should receive sealants shortly after the eruption of their first permanent molars, around age 6 and again at age 12 when their second molars appear.  While the use in children is more prevalent, sealants can be utilized in treating adults as well.

The average cost of a sealant ranges from $42 to $48 dollars per tooth.  During your child’s regular dental visits, we will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them if necessary.

As a final note, the procedure is absolutely painless.  I know a lot of people still cringe when we talk about dental procedures.

If we can be of service or you have additional questions, do not hesitate to contact us via email or for a complimentary initial consult.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com