Oral Health Care: Why Your Child May Be Getting Cavities
Understanding Oral Bacteria
While most bacteria in our bodies are harmless—or even beneficial—some can lead to serious oral health issues, including tooth decay (cavities) and periodontal disease (gum disease). These bacteria are microscopic, about 1/500th the width of a human hair, but they can create big problems due to their abundance. In fact, there are estimated to be over 300 species of bacteria living in your mouth, making up a population of billions at any given time.
Exams and Preventative Care
Regular dental exams are essential for identifying and preventing oral diseases early. During an exam, we’ll discuss your child’s health history, any medications they’re taking, and how these might impact their oral health. For example, children with diabetes are at an increased risk for gum disease. We’ll assess the stability of fillings, check for tooth decay or gum disease, and evaluate the condition of their bite and jaw. Our exam also includes screening for oral cancer, and we may take digital X-rays to gather additional information for a thorough treatment plan.
Preventative treatments, such as fluoride treatments, can help protect your child’s teeth from decay and strengthen enamel. Regular cleanings are also key to removing plaque and tartar, which can lead to cavities and gum diseases like gingivitis.
Plaque and Bacteria: The Little Recyclers
Your mouth is home to countless microorganisms that are constantly recycling the food and drinks you consume. These bacteria feed on sugars and starches and leave behind waste in the form of a sticky biofilm called dental plaque. Plaque allows these bacteria to remain on your teeth, where they create acids that break down tooth enamel and cause cavities. The bacteria near the gums can also irritate the tissue, leading to gingivitis and, if left untreated, periodontitis, which can cause bone and tissue loss around the teeth.
It’s not just sugary foods that cause plaque buildup—starches like bread, crackers, and cereal can also trigger the production of acids. The bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, making them red, swollen, and prone to bleeding, which can lead to gum disease if not addressed.
Tooth Decay is an Infectious Disease
Tooth decay isn’t just a result of poor hygiene; it’s also an infectious disease that’s spreadable! A ten-second kiss can transfer up to 80 million bacteria between mouths. This means that the bacteria responsible for tooth decay can be transmitted from one person to another, making it crucial to maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
Brushing after meals, using antimicrobial mouthwash, and flossing daily are essential practices for controlling the bacteria in your mouth. A healthy diet that limits sugary and starchy foods is equally important in keeping the bad bacteria at bay.
Fun Facts About Oral Bacteria
- There are around 300 different species of bacteria in your mouth.
- A ten-second French kiss can spread up to 80 million bacteria.
- Your mobile phone harbors more bacteria than a toilet seat.
- The human body is home to over 30 trillion bacteria at any given time.
- Bacteria are incredibly tiny—only 1/500th of the width of a human hair—but they can cause significant damage to your oral health.
How to Remove Dental Plaque
The best way to manage plaque is through consistent daily cleaning. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque from tooth surfaces. Make sure your toothbrush is the right size for your mouth and allows you to reach all areas easily. Additionally, flossing once a day is essential for removing plaque between the teeth, which a toothbrush can’t reach.
Here are some tips for effective brushing and flossing:
Brushing Technique
- Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums.
- Use short, gentle strokes to clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
- Use the tip of your toothbrush to clean the inside surfaces of your front teeth with gentle up-and-down strokes.
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Flossing Technique
- Break off about 18 inches of floss and wrap it around your middle fingers.
- Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion.
- Once the floss reaches the gum line, curve it around the tooth in a “C” shape and gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
- Move the floss up and down along the side of the tooth, and repeat the process for the rest of your teeth.
Mouth Rinsing
Using a mouth rinse in addition to brushing and flossing can improve oral cleanliness. Antimicrobial rinses reduce plaque buildup and gingivitis, while fluoride mouth rinses help prevent tooth decay. Always check with your dentist about the best mouthwash for your needs, as some products may not be suitable for younger children.
By maintaining good oral hygiene and staying on top of regular checkups, you can help ensure your child’s teeth and gums remain healthy for years to come. Remember, healthy teeth and gums play an important role in your child’s overall health and well-being! Please contact us at 406-284-8669 or contact our office to setup a consultation, evaluation or appointment. We are your expert child’s dentist in the Western Montana area. For more information on dentistry, procedures, reviews and more, give us a call. We have three dental offices to serve you in Lolo, Frenchtown, and Superior for Mineral County, Montana.