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Preventing Dental Tooth Decay
Noe Mora, DMD
09/06/2007

Dental tooth decay is the single most common chronic disease in humans.  The surgeon general reported dental caries in children is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever.  Individuals who are at higher risk for tooth decay are low-income and special needs populations, such as those who qualify for Mainecare. 

Unfortunately, children eligible for Mainecare are more likely to have untreated tooth decay. Only a small percentage of children under this programs who are covered for dental services see a dentist annually, and an unknown, but much smaller percentage receives comprehensive care.  Mainecare does not require children to obtain dental services, and because of the low reimbursement, there are limited dental facilities which accept Mainecare insurance.  Access to dental care is in a major crisis throughout our country, especially for low-income families.  Fortunately for our community, with federal grant funding, Health Access Network provides dental services regardless of insurance coverage, age, or ability to pay.  Unfortunately, however, not everyone takes advantage of the services, though families who do utilize the service have benefited tremendously. 

Dental tooth decay is not a mystery - we do understand the cause and effect of tooth decay.  Tooth decay is caused by a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. When we eat or drink foods containing sugars or starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel.   The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth and after continuous exposure, the enamel can break down and tooth decay forms.

Prevention is the key to tooth decay and good oral health.  This is accomplished by having good dental care at home, good nutrition and seeking regular dental treatment. Children are more vulnerable to tooth decay because they are dependent on their caregivers to provide them with these preventative measures.  As caregivers of our children, we must provide them with a good balance diet set forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  In addition, we must assure our children have proper oral hygiene, following such practices as cleaning an infant’s teeth following consumption of foods, liquids, or medications containing fermentable carbohydrates (sugar).  These practices should be implemented by the time of the eruption of the first tooth.  Children’s teeth should be periodically checked at home by an adult according to the direction of a dentist. A child under the age of 7 should not be left unsupervised to brush his/her teeth.  An adult who has been instructed by a dentist on how to properly brush and floss should help children less than 7 years of age with oral hygiene habits.  In order to prevent tooth decay, it is important to teach good oral hygiene practices in our children at a very early age.  There is no reason we cannot put a stop to tooth decay if we follow these simple preventative guidelines set forth by the American Dental Association: 

  1. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

  2. Clean between teeth daily with floss, or an interdental cleaner.

  3. Eat a balanced diet and limit between meal snacks.

  4. Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

  5. Ask your dentist about sealants, a protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.   

To make an appointment, or for more information about Health Access Network dental services, call 794-6700 or toll free 1-866-426-4584.