Though
parents are the first line of defense for their children's health, they
may be unwittingly passing along an infectious disease: tooth decay.
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It can happen when moms and dads share toothbrushes with their children or if they drink from the same cup.
According to the Ontario Dental Association,
tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, five times
more common than asthma in children aged five through 17. It's also one
of the leading causes of school absences.
The ODA has issued a set of recommendations for parents and also the government.
Among
other things, they want fluoride to remain in the water supply, and
encourage people to drink tap water over bottled for that benefit.
The US Centres For Disease Control and Prevention called the fluoridation of the water supply one of the Top Ten public health achievements of the 20th century.
Here are some tips for preventing tooth decay.
- Brush after eating or drinking.
- Rinse your mouth with a fluoridated mouth rinse.
- Visit your dentist regularly.
- Consider
dental sealants. A sealant is a protective plastic coating that's
applied to the chewing surface of back teeth - sealing the grooves in
the teeth most likely to get cavities. The sealant protects tooth
enamel from plaque and acid. Sealants can help both children and
adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly
recommends sealants for all school-age children. Sealants last for
several years before they need to be replaced.
- Drink some tap water.
- Avoid frequent snacking and sipping.
- Eat
tooth-healthy foods. Some research shows cheese may help prevent
cavities, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, which increase saliva
flow, and unsweetened coffee, teas and sugar-free gum, which wash away
food particles.
- Consider fluoride treatments.
- Ask
about antibacterial treatments. Some people are especially vulnerable
to tooth decay, perhaps because of medical conditions, for instance. In
these cases, your dentist may recommend special mouth rinses or other
antibacterial treatments to cut down on harmful bacteria in your mouth.
Information courtesy the Mayo Clinic.
How to get your kids to brush their teeth
5 tips for getting your kids to brush
Ontario Dental Association Report
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Tuesday November 18, 2008
CityNews.ca Staff