What is dental caries, and is it preventable?
Dental caries or tooth decay is a prevalent chronic disease in children and adults. Over the last few decades, childhood dental caries has significantly increased in children aged 2 to 4 years. The early signs of caries start as a small patch of demineralized enamel on the tooth surface. These small patches are often hard to see when presented in the grooves or in between teeth. Acid-producing bacteria cause demineralization or softening of the tooth enamel. When left untreated, the decay will spread, causing tooth sensitivity, decay, and eventually loss of the tooth. The loss of tooth early in childhood can have severe and lasting complications such as toothaches, chewing problems, chronic infections, and tooth loss. Despite the challenges of childhood dental caries, it is preventable.
Why is fluoride used to prevent dental caries?
Early in the 1960’s studies lead by scientists documented that fluoride in drinking water was effective at reducing caries. Since then, in many industrialized countries, fluoride has been added to drinking waters to prevent caries in children and adults. Dental fluoride can be applied topically or systemically to control caries. When fluoride is used topically, a fluoride paste or gel is applied directly to the tooth to prevent demineralization, for example. In contrast, when used systemically, fluoride is often ingested in low concentrations, usually in the form of fluoride water. The ingested fluoride is absorbed by the body and redistributed to the developing enamel. When both topical and systemic fluoride is used, it can be very effective at preventing caries.
As parents, what should we know about dietary fluoride supplements?
Dental caries can be controlled effectively by both topical and ingestion of fluoride. If your child is not getting sufficient exposure to fluoride, dietary fluoride supplements can be substituted. The use of dietary fluoride supplements can reduce caries in developing teeth as well as permanent teeth of children. However, dietary fluoride supplements can increase the risk of developing fluorosis. Fluorosis is the cause of fluoride overexposure during development, causing the tooth to be discolored. Before starting dietary fluoride supplementation, you should consult with a dentist. According to the American Dental Association, fluoride supplementation must be carefully balanced. For example, if your drinking water already has fluoride, it might not be necessary to provide additional fluoride supplements. Fluoride supplements are effective in children who are at high risk of developing caries and should be used with discretion when adequate fluoride exposure is already present.
If you have concern or questions about caries, please contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to schedule your next appointment.
