Did you know that tooth decay is a completely preventable disease? Drilling and filling is not necessary!
- Tooth decay is the result of a transmitted bacterial infection.
- A baby is born with none of the bacteria that cause tooth decay!
- The bacteria that cause tooth decay are transmitted from person to person, generally from a mother or other caregiver to her infant child.
- When a mother tastes the food on the spoon before giving it to the baby – she is passing on her bacteria! When you lick an ice cream cone then give it to the baby to lick – you have passed on your bacteria!
You can take steps to eliminate the disease from your mouth and that of your child’s mouth.
- Brush two times per day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Floss after brushing.
- Limit between meal snacking. It is not necessarily what you eat – it is how frequently you eat! The bacteria that cause tooth decay feed on the sugars and carbohydrates you consume. They produce acid within one minute, and get ‘sticky’. This acid will cause holes in your teeth! You need to limit how much food you are giving the bacteria between meals so that your saliva can do its job and wash over your teeth, providing essential minerals – including fluoride – to repair the holes being caused by the acid.
- Chew or suck on xylitol containing gum or mints. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar found in many berries. When the bacteria eat xylitol, they do not get ‘sticky’ and they do not produce acid. The bacteria is washed away with your saliva! Xylitol products can be purchased at many health food stores, such as Whole Foods, or on-line from companies such as Xlear, Epic, or Dr. John’s Candies.
- You may benefit from an over-the-counter rinse containing fluoride, such as Act or FluoriGard.
We want to help!
- The Fund is committed to helping our members attain and maintain good oral health.
- Preventing tooth decay disease may reduce the need for costly and painful restorative dental care, such as fillings, crowns and bridges. This will save money the Fund spends on our members dental care, and will also save our members from painful and expensive treatment that can be prevented!
- The Fund can spend the money it saved on preventive services, such as fluoride treatments and sealants, and on educational materials to get the word out that you can have your Smile for Life!
Remember, oral health affects your overall health! Keep you Smile for Life!