Misinformation Fosters Tooth Decay

Many parents and caregivers are uninformed that routine practices like providing healthy snacks and sharing utensils may increase their child’s risk of developing cavities, according to a new survey.

The survey was conducted by Harris Interactive for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), a leader in children’s oral health.

It found U.S. parents and caregivers are uninformed about cavity-causing bacteria and teeth-friendly snacks.   One result showed 96% of U.S. adults with children under 12 years old in their household thought a cracker was better for children’s teeth than a piece of caramel.  Starches, however, can also cause cavities like sugars, and caramels dissolve more quickly from the mouth than crackers.

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Says Dr. Beverly Largent, AAPD President:

“Although most parents and caregivers don’t believe they are putting their children at risk for tooth decay, many parents and caregivers unfortunately - and unintentionally - are doing so…Cavities and other dental health issues affect not only your child’s ability to speak and maintain a healthy self-image, but they can contribute to systemic health issues later in life, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. This is why we are reminding parents and caregivers about simple things they can do to protect their child’s teeth.”

The AAPD offers these facts that can help protect against tooth decay:

• “Cooked starches, such as pretzels and pasta, can lead to cavities just like sugar. More saliva, which washes away starches and sugars, is produced when eating a meal, so both are safer for teeth if eaten with a meal instead of as a snack.”
• “Caregivers can pass germs that cause cavities from utensils, cups and other objects, so they should be washed thoroughly before sharing with children.”
• “Do not put your young child to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice, and in between meals, only serve older children water. When kids sip for extended periods on sugared beverages, they’re exposed to a higher risk of decay.”
• “Don’t be afraid of chocolate milk. It provides protein, calcium and vitamins like white milk and washes off teeth the same. And since children like it, they often drink more.”
• “Tooth decay can start as soon as a tooth appears, so children should see a dentist shortly after their first tooth or before their first birthday.”

For more info on how to keep children’s teeth healthy, visit AAPD online.

Image courtesy of www.freephoto1.com

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