Ask the Experts: Adult Cavities

As an adult, do I still have to worry about cavities?

This common misconception is likely from when fluoride treatments were only for children.  Adults and children of any age can develop decay.  Furthermore, recent research has shown that fluoride varnish treatments help prevent and arrest decay in adults that are high risk too.  Adults with old restorations, gum recession, or dry mouth are more likely to experience decay.  As gums recede, the softer dentin of the root surface is significantly more susceptible to acid and decay.  Saliva is also important for sweeping harmful acid and food from the mouth, so reduced salivary flow greatly increases risk for cavities.

Fluoride and the Springs

Did you know that the beneficial dental effects of fluoride were discovered right here in Colorado Springs? 

Back in 1901 a dental grad came out west to start his practice.  He was amazed to find that the residents here had weird brown stains on their teeth—but that they were extremely resistant to decay!  Back in the day, we had too much fluoride in our water (and even today, Manitou Springs has slightly higher than recommended fluoride in the water) that caused staining, AKA fluorosis.  We’ve sinced learned how to optimize levels of fluoride to take advantage of the benefits without the stains! 

In office fluoride treatments cannot cause staining.  Staining occurs when too much fluoride is ingested when teeth are forming.  Once teeth are fully formed, fluorosis is no longer a concern because treatments are directed at the surface of the tooth just like toothpaste, but in a higher concentration.  This fluoride stays localized to your teeth and is not to be swallowed.

Preparing Your Children for Dental Appointments

The first dental appointment for a child can be scary–but it doesn’t have to be!  The whole experience is new and the unknown can be frightening.  Preparing a child for their first visit (or thereafter) is a great way to diffuse some of the anxiety.   Explain what will happen:  the dental hygienist will brush their teeth, put tooth vitamins on and the Dentist (or tooth doctor) will count their teeth and check to make sure they are healthy.  If you experience any dental anxiety don’t talk about it with them and explain the dentist only in a positive way.  Let them have their own experience.  It is also a good idea to have them watch you or one of their sibling’s appointment first so they can see it doesn’t hurt and they get a prize at the end! 

So, when is the best time to come in for your first visit?  The ADHA recommends seeing a dentist by the age of  one and we recommend at least by the age of 3.  Often the first visit (or first few visits, depending on the age of the child) is a “happy visit” and consists of getting used to the office, meeting the staff and getting an exam and fluoride. 

A good way to prepare children for brushing and flossing on their own is to assist them from when they are very little.  Wipe out their mouth with a cloth from birth to clear out bacteria and to get the child used to the feeling.  Start brushing and flossing as soon as any teeth show up using a small, soft-bristled tooth brush with water only (or training toothpaste without fluoride).  By age two or three, children can typically be taught not to swallow the paste and fluoride toothpaste can be introduced. 

At what age should kids be left to brush completely on their own?  A good indicator is the ability to tie their own shoes and write in cursive.  Until they can do this, they typically can’t manipulate the toothbrush and floss well enough to remove all the plaque in their mouth.  This is typically around age 7-9.  Let them brush first and then follow.

Electric toothbrushes are also a great option for children of any age!  Sonicare now makes a child toothbrush that is gentler for ticklish younger gums (by about 40%) and removes significantly more plaque than a regular toothbrush!  They come with two difference sizes of head of accomidate young children to teenagers!  Click the toothbrush below to read more!

Maria RDH

For addition information:
Springs Oral Health, Dr Matthew Burton
Website: http://www.springsoralhealth.com/
Phone: 719-593-9025

Fluoride Varnishes

The prevelance of dental caries (cavities) forty years ago was much higher than it is now, but it is on the rise again due to our high sugar intake in our diet. Americans spent 4.2 billion dollars on sugared energy drinks in 2o08. It’s no wonder our society has a problem with dental caries with all the sugar we ingest.

Our first step in preventing tooth decay is changing our eating and drinking habits. One of the first big steps our society did in preventing caries was the addition of fluoride in drinking water and also in toothpaste. Next, dental professionals started implementing in-office fluoride treatments. Most recently fluoride varnishes were put into practice as caries prevention therapy.

A fluoride varnish is a topically applied high concentration form of fluoride that is applied to the tooth’s surface by a dental professional. The varnish can be used to help prevent tooth decay, hypersensitivity within the tooth, and remineralize enamel. Fluoride varnishes are painted directly onto the tooth and remain in contact with the enamel for several hours. This minimizes the risk of young children consuming excess fluoride. The varnish is great for moderate to high risk caries patients and especially for children under age 5. High risk patients include those who intake large amounts of sugar, those with poor oral hygiene, those with active orthodontic treatment, and those who have irregular dental care. Fluoride varnishes do wear off and need to be reapplied 2-3 times per year. Varnishes provide a reduction in caries of up to 38% in children who are at moderate to high risk patients. The best time to apply varnish is as soon as the first teeth erupt in the mouth.

When used appropriately, fluoride is a safe and effective agent that can be used to control and prevent dental caries. Fluoride has contributed to the improvement of dental health in the United States and other countries. It is needed regularly throughout life to protect teeth against tooth decay.

For addition information:
Springs Oral Health, Dr Matthew Burton
Website: http://www.springsoralhealth.com/
Phone: 719-593-9025