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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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.

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5 tips for getting your kids to brush

Ontario Dental Association Report

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Tuesday November 18, 2008