Diet & Cavity Prevention

A healthy diet in early childhood is essential to optimal growth and development and prevention
of chronic diet-related diseases such as caries, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Through dietary and nutritional counseling, dentists assume a significant role in preventing oral
disease and promoting overall health among children. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry especially recognizes the importance of and supports:
• breastfeeding of infants prior to 12 months of age to ensure the best possible health,  developmental and psychosocial outcomes for infants.
• the introduction of plain, fluoridated water to the infant’s diet beginning at age six months for hydration, to familiarize the child with the taste, and for the caries-protective benefits of fluoride.
• fluoridated water as the preferred beverage for children from one to five years of age.
• avoiding added sugars in the diet of children younger than age two and minimizing exposure to sweet-tasting drinks and foods during early life to reduce taste preferences for sweets.
• recommendations from the USDA for individuals aged two and older to consume a diet of nutrient-dense, lean or low-fat foods from across five food groups (i.e., fruits, vegetables, protein, grains, and dairy) that are prepared without added salt, starches, sugars, or fat.
• limiting consumption of sugar to less than five percent of total energy intake to reduce children’s risk of weight gain and dental caries.
• non-sweetened nutrient-dense snacks that supplement meals to meet daily nutritional requirements.
• additional health practices such as meal portion control and energy balance to help prevent overweight and
obesity.

What is fluoride? How do I know if my child is getting the appropriate amount of fluoride in their diet?

Fluoride has been a major factor in the decline in prevalence and severity of dental caries in the United States and other developed countries. It has several caries protective properties. Fluoridation of community drinking water is the most equitable and cost-effective method of delivering fluoride to communities at large. As of 2018, 73 percent of the U.S. population on community water systems had access to fluoridated water. However, if the water in your home comes form a well, you may not have an adequate amount of fluoride in your water. At Darien Pediatric Dentistry, we will discuss the fluoride exposure, caries risk and dietary recommendations so that we can make recommendations most appropriate for your child.

 Can my child’s diet affect their dental health ?

Absolutely. It is important that you initiate a balanced diet for your child so that their teeth develop appropriately. In addition, this will positively affect healthy gum tissue surrounding the teeth. Please note that a diet high in sugar and other forms of carbohydrates may increase the probability of tooth decay.

Should I eliminate all sugar and starch from my child’s diet?

Of course not! Many of these foods are incredibly important for your child’s health. Starch based foods are much safer to eat for teeth when eaten with an entire meal. Foods that stick to teeth are also more difficult to wash away by water, saliva or other drinks. It’s important you talk to our staff about your child’s diet and maintaining proper dental care.

What helpful information can you give me regarding tooth decay in infants?

Teeth become vulnerable to caries (tooth decay) as soon as they erupt. Babies who get milk, formula, or any sweetened beverage through the night, are at a very high risk for developing a “baby bottle decay”, which is an aggressive form of early childhood caries that is entirely preventable. Most importantly, do not put your child to bed with a bottle of milk, juice, or formula. Same goes for nursing the children to sleep once the teeth have started to erupt. When a child is sleeping, any liquid, other than plain water, that remains in the mouth can support the bacteria that produce acid and harm the teeth. A simple pacifier or bottle of water is fine. Please brush your child’s teeth after their last meal and before putting them to bed. For infants who have started teething, who may occasionally still be falling asleep while nursing, please wipe their teeth and gums with a soft, wet cloth to remove the milk residue. 

Dental Emergencies

Toothache: Clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be impacted. If the pain still exists, contact your child’s dentist. Do not place aspirin or heat on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the face is swollen, apply cold compresses and contact your dentist immediately.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth: If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk. The patient must see a dentist ASAP! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

Knocked Out Baby Tooth: Contact your pediatric dentist during business hours. This is not usually an emergency, and in most cases, no treatment is necessary.

Chipped or Fractured Permanent Tooth: Contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If possible, locate and save any broken tooth fragments and bring them with you to the dentist.

Chipped or Fractured Baby Tooth: Contact your pediatric dentist.

Severe Blow to the Head: Take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately.

Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw: Keep the jaw from moving and take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Sealants

How do sealants work?

Even if your child brushes and flosses carefully, it is difficult and sometimes impossible to clean the tiny grooves and pits on certain teeth. Food and bacteria build up in these crevices, placing your child in danger of tooth decay. Sealants seal out food and plaque, thus reducing the risk of decay.

How long do sealants last?

Research shows that sealants can last for a number of years if properly cared for. Therefore, your child will be protected throughout the most cavity-prone years. If your child has good oral hygiene and avoids biting hard objects, sealants will last longer. Your pediatric dentist will check the sealants during routine dental visits and recommend re-application or repair when necessary.

What is the treatment like?

The application of a sealant is quick and comfortable. It takes only one visit. The tooth is first cleaned. It is then conditioned and dried. The sealant is then flowed onto the grooves of the tooth and allowed to harden or hardened with a special light. Your child will be able to eat right after the appointment.

Which teeth should be sealed?

The natural flow of saliva usually keeps the smooth surfaces of teeth clean but does not wash out the grooves and fissures. So the teeth most at risk of decay and therefore, most in need of sealants are the six-year and twelve-year molars. Many times the permanent premolars and primary molars will also benefit from sealant coverage. Any tooth, however, with grooves or pits may benefit from the protection of sealants. Talk to your pediatric dentist, as each child’s situation is unique.

 If my child has sealants, are brushing and flossing still important?

Absolutely! Sealants are only one step in the plan to keep your child cavity-free for a lifetime. Brushing, flossing, balanced nutrition, limited snacking, and regular dental visits are still essential to a bright, healthy smile.

Mouth Guards

What is a mouth guard?

A mouth guard is comprised of soft plastic. They come in standard or custom fit to adapt comfortably to the upper teeth.

Why is a mouth guard important?

A mouth guard protects the teeth from possible sport injuries. It does not only protect the teeth, but the lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaw bone as well. It can contribute to the protection of a child from head and neck injuries such as concussions. Most injuries occur to the mouth and head area when a child is not wearing a mouth guard.

When should my child wear a mouth guard?

It should be worn during any sport-based activity where there is risk of head, face, or neck injury. Such sports include hockey, soccer, karate, basketball, baseball, skating, skateboarding, as well as many other sports. Most oral injuries occur when children play basketball, baseball, and soccer.

How do I choose a mouth guard for my child?

Choose a mouth guard that your child feels is comfortable. If a mouth guard feels bulky or interferes with speech to any great degree, it is probably not appropriate for your child.

There are many options in mouth guards. Most guards are found in athletic stores. These vary in comfort, protection as well as cost. The least expensive tend to be the least effective in preventing oral injuries. Customized mouth guards can be provided through our practice. They may be a bit more expensive, but they are much more comfortable and shock absorbent .