Happy, Healthy Smiles

Denise ReyesCSUF Dietetic Intern

Key Terms

• Dental Disease

• Dental Caries (AKA: cavities or tooth decay)

• Plaque

• Gingivitis

• Fluoride

Look What’s Inside

Why is Dental Care is Important• Dental disease is the #1 infectious disease in the U.S.

• Babies are prone to tooth decay as soon as teeth are

visible.

• Dental caries are the most common chronic disease of

children and adolescents aged 6-19 years old.

• In adolescents 14-17 years old tooth decay is four

times more common than asthma.

Why is Dental Care is Important• 9 out of 10 adults over the age of 20 have some

degree of tooth decay.

• Low income children and adults are at higher risk.

• Dental disease is a 100% preventable disease.

Increased Risk for Dental Caries• Lack of or improper oral hygiene

• Placement of teeth

• Specific food types and drinks

• Frequent snacking or sipping

• Using bottled water instead of tap

• Sleeping with bottles or sippy cups

• Lack of fluoride

Dental Care for Women• Pregnant women should see a dentist by their second trimester.• Eat a well balanced diet that is low in sugar.• Inform dentist if any changes are seen in teeth or gums. • Morning sickness and vomiting:• Don’t brush teeth immediately after vomiting. Stomach acids can lead to tooth erosion.• Rinse with mouthwash or a teaspoon of baking soda and water.

• “Pregnancy gingivitis”• Hormonal changes.• Can lead to gum disease.

From Birth to 1 Year

• Babies are born with 20 primary teeth.

• Start showing at 6 months.

• Before babies have teeth, wipe the gums gently with a clean wet cloth after each feeding.

• Once the first tooth does appear, use a small soft bristle toothbrush to clean teeth.

• Cup at 6 months; weaned from bottle by 1 year.

• Take baby to the dentist before his/her first birthday.

Teething

• Discomfort in the gums form newly emerging teeth.• Signs: drooling, chewing, crankiness, sore or

tender gums.• How to help soothe babies discomfort:• Teething rings• Rub gums with a clean finger or cloth• Cool hard foods they can chew • Over-the-counter medications

Important to Know

• Germs and bacteria can be spread.• Parents should not put anything into the babies mouth

that has been in their own mouth.• Shouldn’t share cups, spoons, or toothbrushes.• When the child’s permanent teeth have came in they

should not be sucking their thumb or on pacifiers.• Can cause issues with tooth alignment.

• First teeth help to make sure adult teeth come in correctly.

1-2 Years• Adults should brush

child’s teeth with a soft, wet toothbrush (no toothpaste).• Parents should check the

child’s teeth regularly.• Notify the dentist for any

dark spots found on teeth.

2-3 years• Brush child’s teeth twice

daily• Use a pea-sized dab of

toothpaste with fluoride.• Make sure they don’t

swallow it.

• Start teaching them to brush their own teeth.

3-5 Years• Parents should help children brush their teeth twice daily.• Floss his/her teeth.• Take the child to the dentist at least once a year.

What Foods Should You Limit?

Limiting to Prevent Tooth Decay• Limit these foods and drinks in a child’s diet.• They stick to the teeth longer allowing bacteria to grow.• Sugary foods • Soda, sweet drinks, candy, cookies, cake

• Sticky foods• Jam/jelly, candy, dried fruits

• Acidic foods – breakdown tooth enamel.• Lemons, pickles, salad dressing, vinegar

• Limit frequent snacking and sipping• Fuels bacteria to produce more acid.

Calcium• Mineral found in foods.

• Both babies and adults need calcium to grow

and develop strong bones and teeth.

• Protect against tooth decay, makes gums healthy, and

makes jawbones strong too.

• Sources: Milk and other dairy products, dark green

vegetables, tofu.

Good for Your Teeth• “Sugar-free” chewing gums and mints (xylitol)• Provide less calories than regular gums and mints.• Do not contribute to dental caries.

• Helps to kill germs that cause cavities.• Bacteria cannot metabolize sugar alcohols.

• Fluoride• Found naturally in some foods and water. Also added to

toothpaste and mouthwash.• Helps to prevent tooth decay by making teeth stronger and more

resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth.

Instruments for Healthy Teeth• Toothbrush• Use soft or extra soft bristles.• Children need a small toothbrush.• Replace toothbrush every 3 months or after being sick.

• Toothpaste• With fluoride

• Floss• Mouthwash• Sugar-free gum with xylitol (For adults and older

children)

When to Brush, Floss, and Use Mouthwash

• Adults and children should brush their teeth twice each day

for at least two minutes with toothpaste that has fluoride.

• Floss between teeth once daily.

• Mouthwash can be used once daily, but rinsing the mouth out

with water or mouthwash should be done after each meal of

snack.

• Parents and children should visit the dentist regularly for

cleanings and oral examinations.

How to Brush Teeth

http://youtu.be/mzXRehGBEOg

How to Floss

http://youtu.be/N7TJevl2RVo

What Parents Can Do• Set good examples• Parents should brush twice a day, floss once a day, and rinse their

teeth after each meal and snack.• Limit sugary, sticky, and acidic foods.• Encourage more crisp and fibrous foods.• Adults and children should visit the dentist regularly.

Questions??

• American Dental Association. Available at: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/. Accessed November 15, 2012.

• Colgate: Oral and Dental Health Resource Center. Available at: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information.cvsp. Accessed November 15, 2012.

• Gingivitis. Mayo Clinic Web site. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gingivitis/DS00363/DSECTION=causes. Accessed November 16, 2012.