HOW TO BRUSH
WHAT CAUSES CAVITIES?
Four things are present for cavities to form:
- Tooth
- Bacteria
- Food that bacteria feeds on
- Time
This is the process:
Food enters the mouth. Bacteria eat the sugar. Bacteria create acid, and acid weakens the enamel. After 20 minutes, saliva neutralizes acid. During that 20 minute period, cavities can begin to form.
STEPS TO AVOID CAVITIES
1. Avoid frequent snacking and avoid eating or drinking before bedtime
2. Avoid going to bed with a bottle of milk, juice or formula
3. Brush twice a daily with fluoride toothpaste. Night time brushing should be monitored or helped if the child is young. For best prevention, brush after each meal and drink water if possible.
4. Floss once a day. At night time preferably. This is more crucial when the teeth are touching..
5. Place sealants on permanent molars
6. Have regular dental check-ups every 6 months
7. Practice healthy eating habits
PROTECT YOUR TEETH DURING SPORTING EVENTS
Mouth guards or athletic guards should be worn to protect a child's teeth, lips, cheeks and gums during a sporting event. This is usually made out of soft plastic and is custom fitted and molded around the upper teeth to fit comfortably. Studies have shown that wearing mouth guards during a sporting event can protect against jaw fractures and other more serious mouth injuries.
THUMB, FINGER AND PACIFIER HABITS
Thumb, finger and pacifier habits that go on for a long period of time can create an "open-bite" or severe "over-jet". Upper front teeth may tip toward the lip and may flare out. Most children stop theses habits on their own, but some children may need a mouth appliance to correct the habit. We recommend that parents encourage their child to stop the habit by positive reinforcement and support from parents before the appliance therapy is applied.
