Oral Health 'Tid-Bites'

Tooth decay is the result of a bacterial infection. Bacteria can be transmitted from a parent or other caregiver to an infant or child via saliva.

Cavities are formed by bacteria on your teeth, called plaque. When you eat sugary or starchy foods, the plaque mixes with it and forms acid. The acid attacks your tooth enamel, which is the hard outside surface of your teeth. Eventually this forms a cavity.

Good oral health starts early. Some risk factors for infant cavities are:
Sibling dental decay before the age of 5
Use of bottle at naptime or before going to sleep
Excessive sweets, juice or sticky foods in diet
Inadequate routine brushing and cleaning
Insufficient fluoride in water or lack of supplements
Chalky white spots on teeth

If you have had a cavity recently, you should revisit your dentist in six months for another oral exam and cleaning.

If you are pregnant, you and your family should visit your dentist to determine what treatment you may receive prior to having your baby to try to prevent transmitting the bacteria to your child.

You can avoid more cavities by brushing correctly, flossing daily and eating a healthy diet.

Fluoride in water has proven to reduce cavities by up to 50%. Fluoride helps developing enamel become strong and resistant to decay and slows the growth of bacteria. Fluoride is a mineral that makes your children’s tooth enamel harder and more resistant to decay and is found naturally in some foods your child eats (fish, grape juice, green leafy vegetables). Talk to your dentist or hygienist to see if fluoride is in your town’s water supply and to determine if your child needs more fluoride.

Dental sealants have proved to be highly effective in preventing cavities in the grooves of molar teeth, called “pit and fissures”. Check with your dentist to see if sealants may be right for you.

A product called xylitol has been proven to reduce tooth decay. Xylitol occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables. Xylitol is used in foods such as chewing gum and mints, and in oral health products such as toothpaste and mouthwashes.

Gum disease is an infection in your gums and jawbone. Gingivitis is a milder form affecting just your gums. Both can become worse if not properly treated. Gum disease can also be passed on to other family members. Many people don’t know they have gum disease because it can appear without symptoms.

Some signs of gum disease are: a bad taste in your mouth, continual bad breath, red or swollen gums, tender gums, gums that bleed when brushing, gums that have pulled away from the teeth, pain while chewing, pus between the teeth and gums, and tartar on teeth.

There is a link between a mother’s gum health and the health of her unborn baby. Women with gum disease are at risk of delivering a baby too early because the infection affects hormone levels that can cause early labor.

Gum disease can usually be treated successfully. Some suggestions to help keep your gums healthy if you have gum disease are: flossing your teeth daily, brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, visiting your dentist at least every six months for oral exams and cleanings, using any at-home products your dentist recommends such as chlorhexidine mouthrinse or prescription fluoride toothpaste, and not chewing or smoking tobacco.

Diseases of your gums can also be an indicator of a higher risk for strokes, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and low weight premature births. As with these and other diseases, early detection and effective treatment are important interventions.

Head and neck radiation and chemotherapy help treat cancer, but they can also have side effects. Some of these problems can affect the mouth and could cause you to delay or stop treatment. The side effects can be painful and make it hard to eat, talk and swallow. You are more likely to get an infection, which can be dangerous when you are receiving treatment. To help prevent serious problems, see a dentist at least two weeks before starting chemotherapy or radiation. Your dentist should work with your oncologist to determine appropriate and necessary treatment. The MPE Fund may provide additional benefits for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. For more information please call the MPE Unit at (800) 553-6277.