When preparing for Halloween this evening, be sure to stock up on toothpaste and floss as well as costumes and candy. Here are some tips on how to treat your child’s teeth well and prevent cavities after Halloween trick or treating
Monthly Archives: October 2008
Halloween Dental Care
Between the Halloween parties and Trick-or-Treating; this is the time of year when good teeth brushing habits are essential for children. Parents need to remember that when your child eats or drinks sugary foods the bacteria in the mouth mixes with the sugar to form a mild acid. The acid attacks the enamel, the outer layer of the teeth, and cavities can begin to form on the surface of the teeth.
Encouraging Children to Brush
When helping to encourage older children to brush correctly, you may want to start a “reward program” when their teeth start gleaming. “Carrots” or rewards are guaranteed to help the process. In other words, give them an incentive for doing the job and doing it right!
Remember, bacteria that causes tooth decay can get into the bloodstream, where they increase the risk of ulcers, pneumonia, digestive problems, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It’s the big picture as much as it is the pretty smile! With all that said…”Let’s get those kids brushing early!”
Helping Children Avoid Cavities
One way to help avoid cavities is to make sure your child brushes twice a day, every day, with a soft brush. This comes directly from the top, the ADA. Unfortunately, many children do not have the coordination to brush their teeth on their own until about six years old. With younger children, they can get the process started, but you’ll need to give his mouth a once-over to make sure the job is done right. As your child gets older, show him how to brush with a fluoride toothpaste and floss on his own.
Why cavities and tooth decay are serious problems for children
Cavities and tooth decay are serious problems for both children and adults. Research has shown that tooth decay is contagious, just like the measles, the flu, and smallpox. The bacteria that causes decay can be passed from one person to another by kissing or sharing drinking cups or silverware.
For children, pain and suffering because of untreated tooth decay can lead to problems in eating, speaking and paying attention in school. In other words, cavities hurt.
Is it important that young children brush their teeth?
It may surprise you to learn that dental cavities are a disease, not just a hole in a tooth. Actually, it’s the single-most common chronic childhood disease — far more common than asthma and obesity, according to the California Dental Association.
Cavitites and Bad Breath
Bad breath can cause severe embarrassment, and create social and psychological barriers. In addition, bad breath can also be caused by improper care of tooth cavities. Cavities are an ideal hiding place for food particles, which collect bacteria over time. Upon decomposing, these food particles release a sulfur compound that results in an unpleasant odor.
Causes of bad breath
Bad breath can be indicative of severe diseases, such as sinus infections, liver and kidney problems, as well as periodontal disease. Transient bad breath or temporary bad breath is caused due to stress, hunger, smoking, and poor oral care. A proper cleaning regimen that includes brushing regularly, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash will greatly help transient bad breath.
Combating bad breath
In order to stop bad breath, one must follow a proper cleaning regimen that includes brushing regularly, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. In healthy people, the most common reason for bad breath is food particles stuck to the tongue. Interestingly, it is not the front of the tongue, but the back, that is the source of such bad odor. The back of the tongue, being rough, has innumerable crevices, which are an ideal place for food particles to hide and bacteria to develop.
Why do I have bad breath?
Halitosis is the medical term used to describe noticeably unpleasant odors that are exhaled during the breathing process. In some cases, bad breath is mostly prominent while talking. Most bad breath problems begin in the mouth, and are a result of poor dental hygiene. Persistent bad odor from the mouth is indicative of the presence of bacteria that coat teeth and gums.