Happy, Healthy Smiles Denise Reyes CSUF 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 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

How to Floss

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: Accessed November 15, Colgate: Oral and Dental Health Resource Center. Available at: Accessed November 15, Gingivitis. Mayo Clinic Web site. Available at: Accessed November 16,