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According to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation, more than 40 percent of children have cavities by the time they are in kindergarten.   This month, Dr. Mary Rose discusses how to prevent tooth decay.

There are dental terms associated with tooth decay.

Oral Bacteria – Oral bacteria are microscopic organisms that live in your mouth, teeth, gums, and tongue.  Good bacteria protects your teeth and gums as well as manages the growth of bad bacteria.  The bad bacteria uses the sugars and starches found in certain foods and drinks to produce acid that attacks the enamel in teeth.

Plaque - Plaque is a soft, sticky film which contains bacteria, that builds up on your teeth.

Enamel – Tooth enamel is the hard, translucent, outermost layer of your teeth.  It protects the tooth from damage and tooth decay.

Just like adults, Children love food and drinks containing sugar.  Bacteria in plaque uses the sugars in those foods to produce acid.  If the plaque is not removed regularly, the acid will start to break down the tooth enamel which will lead to tooth decay.

Dr. Mary Rose suggests the following to prevent tooth decay.

Limit your child’s sugary drinks and snacks – Avoiding sugary beverages will help avoid prolonged exposure of the sugary liquid to their teeth.  If your child uses a sippy cups for long periods of time, fill the cup with water.  Dr. Mary Rose suggests not allowing your child to take the sippy cup to bed.  Dr. Mary Rose also suggests limiting sugary snacks as well.

Brush and Floss – The earlier, the better.  For newborns, clean your baby’s gums daily with a gauze or soft cloth. After the first tooth, use a toothbrush and toothpaste the size of a grain of rice.  Once they have two teeth that touch, it is time to floss.  Starting at age 3, brush their teeth twice daily for 2 minutes.

Make sure to schedule regular dental hygiene visits – Regular dental hygiene visits every 6 months is very important to your child’s dental health.  The first dental visit should be six months after your child’s first tooth erupts or by their first birthday.  Dr. Mary Rose suggests preparing your child for the fist visit.  Helping your child understand what to expect will avoid any surprises or fears.

We are starting a new year – do we ever need to toss out our toothpaste and start with a new tube?  This month Dr. Mary Rose will discuss how often and why we should regularly replace your toothpaste.

We all know to replace our toothbrushes regularly.  Toothpaste contains ingredients that are intended to prevent cavities and strengthen the enamel on our teeth.  Over time, the strength of these ingredients will diminish.  Most toothpaste packaging provides an expiration date but there are other factors to consider when deciding if you should replace your toothpaste.

While you are sick, make sure your toothbrush does not come in contact with the contents or the rim of your toothpaste.  Germs from an illness can linger up to 10 days.  If you share a tube a toothpaste, you may want to use different tubes and discard the one used by the ill person as well as their toothbrush once they feel better.

Replacing your toothpaste every 3-4 months should be part of your oral care routine.  Dr. Mary Rose recommends using a toothpaste containing fluoride.

Holiday parties, family gatherings and holiday desserts you exchange with friends are our favorite past times during this holiday season.  This month, Dr. Mary Rose discusses how to enjoy the season and maintain good oral health.

Remember To Drink Water:  Christmas punch, Sugary sodas, holiday drinks with alcohol and all the wonderful desserts are very popular during the holiday season.  It is important to drink water after your enjoy treats.  The water will help remove bacteria left in your mouth as well as dilute acid from the alcoholic drinks.  Drinking water will also keep you hydrated.

Find alternative foods that are healthier:  We all enjoy the holiday treats but try to limit your choices and find alternative treats.   Baked apples with cinnamon, carrots and desserts sweetened with xylitol are great alternative options.  Turkey is loaded with nutrients that are good for our teeth, such as phosphorus.  Phosphorus helps the body absorb and use calcium by protecting and rebuilding tooth enamel.  If you enjoy holiday biscuits, try gingerbread instead which contains less sugar.  If you enjoy wine, eating cheese at the same time will balance the pH level in your mouth.

Make sure there are plenty of scissors and bottle openers available: Making sure everyone has access to scissors and bottle openers will avoid dental emergencies.  You should never use your teeth to open packages or bottles. 

Maintain your flossing and brushing routine:  Late night parties and just being tired from all the festivities might make us skip brushing and flossing.  It is important to remember to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day.  Taking a toothbrush and floss with you might help you to remember to clean your teeth after your meals.

Dr. Mary Rose and the entire staff at Twohig Dentistry wishes everyone a very happy and safe holiday season!

This wonderful event benefits the Foundation of NM School for the Blind & Visually Impaired.  By being a sponsor, Dr. Mary Rose helps many individuals like Marie.  Join us at the event on Friday 12/06/24 at the Sid Cutter Pavilion from 6:00-8:00pm.

At three months of age, Marie was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare cancer of the eye.  Unfortunately, Marie lost both eyes to her cancer.  A developmental specialist visits here home twice each month bringing toys and learning materials to support Marie and her family as they learn ways to help their 6 month old daughter engage with the world.  The Birth-3 program is one of the many NMSVBI programs and initiative that receives additional funding through donations received by the NMSBVI Foundation. 

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