Early Chidhood Cavities and the Benefits of Xylitol
It is important to understand the anatomy of the tooth as tooth decay starts off with a healthy tooth.
Enamel- outer layer of the tooth.
Dentin- Responsible for tooth colour. Layer beneath the enamel.
Pulp- Life blood of the tooth. Blood vessels and sensory nerves can be found in the pulp. Sensory nerves for hot, cold and pain.
In contrast, the image shows a tooth with a cavity.
How tooth decay occurs:
Tooth decaying bacteria may be transferred to a child by mother or any caregiver.
When their first tooth erupts it acts as a habitat for bacteria.
Tooth decaying bacteria produce acids which cause holes in the tooth.
When your child starts to experience pain; it is already too late. The cavity has gone through the enamel, dentin and pulp.
Teeth are supported into position by the gums and jaw bone. Tooth decay can cause infection which can spread to the bone.
Why tooth decay in children
It all starts with the mother or care givers as tooth decaying bacteria are transferred to baby through sharing of spoons, toothbrushes and even pacifiers.
I have seen a mother lick her baby’s pacifier to clean it; and she was sitting right next to a wash basin.
Food high in acids weaken the enamel and make it more susceptible to cavities.
Food that is high in sugar and processed carbohydrates feeds the bacteria. Sugar fermentation also produces acids.
Baby milk contains the sugar lactose and when you allow your baby to sleep with a bottle in his/ her mouth the milk pools in the mouth and feeds bacteria.
Ineffective brushing can cause tooth decay as bacteria is not removed effectively.
Why Xylitol
It is a natural and complex sugar which tooth decaying bacteria cannot digest.
Sources of xylitol include birch trees, some berries, mushrooms and spiffies tooth wipes and tooth gel.
Research shows that the toothwipes are effective if used at least twice a day.
Xylitol loosens plaque.
Xylitol is sweet and so easily accepted by children or babies.
Xylitol toothwipes are single use and disposable and so they cannot breed bacteria.
Xylitol wipes come in two flavours grape and apple.
If you are intimidated by your child’s mouth and gums you can use spiffies xylitol wipes to help in your oral routine. The wipes are effective in eliminating tooth decaying bacteria.
Children do not have the luxury of chewing xylitol gum to remove tooth decaying bacteria as it poses a choking hazard; spiffies toothwipes are safe and should be used by an adult.
Prevention
Avoid sugary food, candy and acidic drinks like lemonade.
Brush regularly, after every meal.
Regular dental check ups. Your child should see the dentist by the age of 1. (A stitch in time saves nine)
Use a silicone toothbrush as it is gentle on babies gums, allows for effective brushing as you can feel your child’s teeth and gums.
Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the enamel.
Children need to be supervised when brushing until the age of 9, depending on your child it could take longer.
Make teeth brushing fun, sing songs.
Limit the sharing of spoons, toothbrushes and drinking straws. Use a separate spoon to test temperature for food.
Keep babies toothbrush clean.
Avoid sugary food, candy and acidic drinks like lemonade.
Avoid stick candy and dried food as the sugar stays in your mouth for longer.
Drink lots of water to neutralise acid.
Chew on healthy food to stimulate saliva which neutralises acids.
Avoid losing your babies teeth to tooth decay, decayed baby teeth can affect permanent teeth and set your child to a lifetime of dental problems.
Primary teeth hold positions for permanent teeth until they are ready to come out, if your child loses their teeth long before they are due, that can lead to badly aligned/ crowded permanent teeth.
Dentists continue to encourage the use of Xylitol in oral health. Spifffies toothwipes were not only created by a paeditrician but our local dentists that are involved in research and community health have endorsed xylitol tooth wipes.
In the mean time in between time parents, take care of your oral health and that of your children so you can preserve theat precious smile.
Viagra femenino Cialis es la droga popular que ayuda resolver los problemas femeninos. Como los que producen erecciones, Vardenafil es una medicación con receta médica que viene en dosis de 5mg, inhibidores de la PDE5, sin gastos de envío y entrega segura. Lo hacen los médicos, pero yo sabía que la verdad es que me estaba dejando porque no sabía como tener una erección vaya si sabía, es de destacar que Levitra Relaja el cuerpo cavernoso no directamente.