AAPD President Provides Halloween Tips

Jillian Amodio, contributor to Care.com interviewed AAPD President Dr. Warren Brill about the impending Halloween holiday. Brill shared tips to parents and caregivers about how to limit the sugar high for your kids and how to manage the candy in your home during Halloween and the rest of the year. One of the important tips to keep in mind is controlling what kind of sugar your kids get and what form it comes in.  

 

Brill recommends choosing candy or sweets that are eaten quickly, rather than something that stays in the mouth. "The important thing with sweets is how long the sugar sits in the mouth," he says. "The sugar turns into acid and demineralizes teeth." 

 

If your child has not been to the dentist in a while, don’t panic. This is a great time to make an appointment. "As soon as a child gets teeth, they need to see a dentist," says Brill. 

 

The article was posted online on August 14, 2013. To continue reading the entire article, visit http://www.care.com/child-care-9-tips-for-controlling-the-candy-chaos-p1017-q32422213.html. 

Back to School

It's that time of year again.  Here come the crazy schedules and loads of homework.  Make sure to keep your oral health at the top of your list!  Start good habits now, so they are easily maintained during this chaotic time in your little ones lives.  Set goals with your kiddos to be "cavity free" for their next visit with an incentive if they can do it.  You've done it!  Now they are excited about brushing and flossing. 

Preventing Caries (cavities) In Permanent Molars

Permanent Molars are the most common site for dental caries in schoolchildren.  The application of dental sealants has effectively prevented caries in the pits and fissures of permanent molars.  In a study conducted by University of Hong Kong, results showed that the use of resin dental sealants reduced dentin caries at pit and fissure sites of permanent molars in schoolchildren by nearly two-thirds.  Sealant application remains an excellent method of fissure caries prevention.

  

Xylitol

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that has been shown to interfere with the oral colonization of decay-causing bacteria. Incorporation of xylitol into chewing gum, candy, toothpaste, and infant oral wipes has shown promise as a caries (cavity) reducing agent. Studies have shown Zylitol wipes to be safe and well accepted by most infants and parents. Conscientious use of xylitol wipes with infants shows promise as an effective caries (cavity) preventive practice.

Yogurt and Cheese can improve Oral Health

Long known for their healthful effects on children, dairy products contain calcium, phosphorus and bioactive peptides important to oral health. Recent research suggests that the consumption of milk, cheese and yogurt may suppress the formation of caries (cavities) and help prevent periodontitis. Studies have found increased calcification of the enamel and remineralization of teeth after consumpton of hard and soft cheeses. Studies also show that cheese and yogurt (without added sugar) promote oral health and make excellent snack and dessert choices for children.