Dental cavities

Causal factors

Causal factors are the presence of specific cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth that feed on the carbohydrates (sugars/starches) in foods. The by-product of this process produces an acid that destroys the enamel of the teeth. This bacteria is contagious and can be implanted from parent to child

Prevention strategies

Fluoride

• Topical (such as toothpaste, fluoride treatment in a dental office, over-the-counter fluoride rinses or fluoride varnish application for at-risk populations)
• Systemic (such as fluoride in municipal water supplies and fluoride supplement tablets). See policy statement on Fluoridation of Public Drinking Water (PDF). For further information: PHMDC Fluoride Supplement Program

Dental Sealants

• Dental Sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to pits and fissures (grooves) on chewing surfaces of permanent molars to protect teeth from dental decay. Dental Sealants are effective both in preventing tooth decay and in stopping the progression of tooth decay.

Nutrition

• Limit sugar intake and frequency
• Limit soda (even diet soda) and juice (no more than 8 oz. per day)
• Replace sugar snacks with healthy choices such as fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, and cheese. Did you know that there are "detergent foods" like apples that actually help clean teeth?
• Limit snacks to twice a day. Drink tap (fluoridated) water in between meals (3 times a day) and snacks (2 times a day)

Clean Teeth and Mouth Daily

• Brush at least 2 times daily - morning & evening are best.
• Use a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste
• Brush before bed time and after eating
• At-risk children may want to use fluoride mouth rinse before bedtime (no eating or drinking afterward except water).

Chew Xylitol Gum

• Chewing sugar free gum helps stimulate saliva to clean teeth.
• Gum with Xylitol can prevent cavities because it is made from a natural sugar that the cavity-causing bacteria cannot use for food and thus cannot produce the acid that destroys teeth.
• Look for the word Xylitol on packages of gum and mints