An Apple a Day {Sponsored : Legacy Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry}

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I was asked recently, “What is something you wish you had known sooner when it comes to dental health?” The answer, as basic as it sounds: What a cavity is, how they form, and how they can be prevented. I don’t think I fully understood the cavity forming process until going through dental school. I feel it is important for all people to understand dental health and prevention. Especially moms looking out for their little ones and their teeth.

A cavity is a break in the healthy tooth structure due to bacteria in the mouth. Because of the anatomy of the teeth, some of the most common areas to get cavities are in the grooves of the teeth on the biting surface, as well as in between the teeth. Each time your child eats, the mouth undergoes a process where it becomes more acidic and the environment of the mouth is more at risk for cavities to form. Once the mouth is at that level of acidity, and the sugars from the food or drink are there, cavities can begin the process of breaking down the tooth structure. A formula to remember is:

Bacteria (germs) + Sticky foods = Acid (within 10 seconds and lasts up to 30 minutes)

Acid + Tooth = Decay (cavity)

The good news is, there are ways to help lessen the risk for cavities and take preventative measures to protect the teeth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes (or as I tell kids, that is about the time it takes to sing the ABC’s twice). Brushing in the morning, and at night, right before bed is important to remove the food and plaque that gets stuck on the teeth. It is also recommended to begin flossing one time a day as soon as the teeth are touching (usually between 3-4 years old). Flossing helps to keep the gums healthy, and also removes sticky foods from in between the teeth.

Another way to help prevent cavities is by watching the things we eat and when we eat them. Sticky foods tend to put the mouth at risk for cavities for a longer period of time, because they stay in the mouth longer. Examples of these include: Sugary gum (like bubble gum), sticky caramels, candy mints, etc. Also, limiting the sugary foods at snack time is a good way to protect the teeth. If sugar is confined to meal times, then the mouth is not being constantly attacked. The type of food, the frequency it is eaten, and how long it covers the teeth are three dietary guides for good dental health.

Some options of good food recommended for snack time are: Fruits (bananas, apples, grapes, etc.), vegetables (carrots, celery, broccoli), peanuts, popcorn, sugarless gum, cheese, eggs, meat, water, and milk. Substituting these things for cookies and candy can help to prevent the decay process from occurring. It is also important to remember never to put your child to bed with anything but water.

One other preventative measure to decrease cavity formation is going to the dentist at least twice per year for cleaning and a check-up. If one cavity is present in the mouth, the risk of getting more greatly increases until the cavity is fixed. The dentist may recommend sealants, which are a protective coating over the top of the tooth to help avoid the cavities that form in the grooves of the teeth.

Creating good dietary and dental habits early on will help to train your children to take care of their teeth, which can also help their overall health. Although an apple a day won’t keep the dentist away, replacing sticky sugary snacks with an apple each day could keep the cavities at bay!

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IMG_6877Dr. Dan Doss grew up in Kemp, Texas before making the move to Fort Worth to attend TCU. He attended dental school and a two-year residency in the specialty of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. He has been married to Maureen (Mo) for 33 years and has two grown children, Michael and Kaydee and daughter in law Megan. He is excited to welcome his first granddaughter in March 2014. He enjoys reading, playing golf and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Liz Gold grew up in Palestine, TX. She attended Texas A&M University where she graduated in 2006 and proceeded to continue her education at the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston where she completed both dental school and residency. She has 4 siblings and 3 in-laws and has recently become an aunt to Luke (22 months) and Emma (3 months). In her free time she enjoys traveling, running, Aggie football games and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Doss and Dr. Gold practice at Legacy Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry in Southwest Fort Worth. They are both Diplomats of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as well as local, state and national dental societies.

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