Most people are not aware that tooth decay is actually a bacterial infection, a lot like a sinus infection.  The way that they differ is that decay is a chronic infection that isn’t cured with the use of antibiotics.  If left untreated, it can have multiple affects on the body as well as the mouth such as pain, loss of teeth, inability to chew or speak and possible life threatening infections.

In order for both the initial and chronic infection (tooth decay) to occur, three things are needed.  First and most important, the bacteria itself has to be present.  Infants, when born lack this bacteria in their mouths.  Unfortunately, the way they get it is through mouth to mouth or facial contact with someone who does (the cavity causing bacteria can be transmitted through saliva).  Oh, I know, we all love to coo and cuddle and receive a plethora of slobbery smooches to our cute little babes, but there is a price to pay.  The longer we can keep dirty adult mouths away from our kids, the better chance they will have of not acquiring the decay causing little bugs.

Second and equally as important, is that these “bugs” need a “host” mouth to grow in.  Without that slobbery little Petri dish of a mouth, these bacteria could not grow.  Just add teeth to the mix and you’ve got a tooth decay party in there!  Without teeth to grow and in, cavities could not occur.

Third and also very important is that these bacteria need nutrition in order to grow.  I personally enjoy sweets, potato chips and other goodies, and these little buggers are no exception!  The sweeter the better!  Sugar (a carbohydrate) is the main staple for these bacteria.  They consume it for energy and in the process of doing so, create acids as byproducts, which are harmful for the teeth.  These very strong acids are what break down the tooth structure, causing what are known as cavities.  So, a cavity is really a bacterial infection resulting in the decomposition of tooth structure.  So, the more sugar containing or simple carbohydrates rich foods eaten in the presence of these bugs will lead more quickly to a cavity.   This of course can only occur if those specific bacteria are present in the mouth in high enough numbers to cause damage.  And, unfortunately, this is the case for most people.

In most adults, there are plenty of bacteria to cause cavities and  more than enough to pass along to our children.  In addition to their fine choice in dining, these little bacteria also flourish in areas which are high in acidity.  What does this mean for us?  Well, our generation has a particular liking for one of the finest-ever, cavity causing inventions. Brown, clear, orange, yellow diet or regular, soda has become one of the most delectable dietary delights for cavity-causing germs.  Soda happens to be extremely acidic and loaded with sugar.  This makes a perfect recipe for speedy, extensive tooth decay.  And, for children whose teeth decay much faster due to their tooth composition, this can mean a ton of dental work and expensive dental bills.

I already know what you are probably thinking- “But it’s diet soda, I or my kids won’t get cavities from that!”  WRONG!  Though it doesn’t contain the sugar needed for the decay process, it is very acidic and provides the perfect environment for these bacteria. As mentioned earlier, these bacteria thrive in an acidic environment.  In addition to providing a better environment for growth, the constant exposure to acid softens the enamel of the teeth, making them easier to break down.   This is true for diet and regular sodas.  Diet soda, combined with other sugary foods or carbohydrates that can be broken down into these usable sugars can cause decay almost as rapidly as regular soda.

So, when you consume other simple sugars such as juices, candy, potato chips, raisins, crackers and more, you can be doing the same thing as having a soda (without the presence of the acid) if you don’t brush soon after.  For children, raisins in particular can cause an abundance of cavities.  This fact is troubling, as I see parents trying so hard to give their children a nutritious snack, but it may be unknowingly wreaking havoc on their child’s baby teeth.  I am not saying to outlaw raisins, fruit, juice, etc., because they are definitely delicious and nutritious. Just be aware of their hidden dangers and try to incorporate brushing soon after these types of snacks.  Otherwise, a sticky film of bacteria will adhere to the teeth and attempt to begin the tooth decay process.  This is why brushing your teeth is recommended at least twice a day for two minutes.  Of course, this brushing can also help avoid gum disease, but will definitely help to reduce decay when combined with a proper diet.

I know, I know-I am taking away all the fun and enjoyment out of eating.  But, there is a solution that will allow you to have some of your cake and eat it too!  One of the other biggest factors in this decay process is the frequency of exposure to these dietary delights.  The more frequent you have them, the faster and more decay you will have.  So, if your child wants juice because they are used to having it, then there is a way to do it correctly.  The child should have no more than one glass of fruit juice a day and should drink it all at meal time or snack time.  DO NOT let your child sip on one cup of juice the entire day.  Even though it is still only one cup, it is the consistent exposure to sugar throughout the day that will cause damage.  This same principle applies to soda/diet soda as well as to adult or baby teeth.

I strongly discourage any child from having soda.  My children never got it as toddlers and they actually don’t prefer to have it now.  They are used to milk and water with a meal and water throughout the day if they are thirsty.  They never complain about it and it gives me time to worry about other important stuff like saving for college and getting their homework assignment finished.  The real struggle will be if your child is already used to having these things in their diet, so I recommend curtailing it early on to avoid major tantrums.

I am not going to lie. It is going to be absolute torture to get them to stop once they have started.  You are going to want to give up on trying because you will be so weary of watching your little angel throw tantrums and refuse to sleep or function without their comfort drinks.  You must be persistent or you will pay later down the road and I mean that literally and figuratively.  If you have older children, remember, they do not have access to sodas and sugary foods without you.  They may have access other ways such as at school or at a friend’s house, but you can definitely control what goes on at home.

If you or your child seem to be “cavity prone,” your dentist may also recommend the use of additional fluoride-containing aids to help strengthen the enamel.  Many of these can be purchased over-the-counter, such as ACT Home Fluoride Rinse, Listerine Smart Rinse and several others.  Again, those are not usually recommended until age six or until the child is able to rinse without swallowing.  This is because fluoride can be toxic if swallowed in larger amounts.  Often times children up to eighteen are given a professional strength fluoride treatment at the dentist after their cleaning and check-up.  It is usually only done once or twice a year as needed in hopes of strengthening teeth to prevent cavities.

If you have a teenager, your dentist may also prescribe a pharmacy strength, professional grade fluoride toothpaste or gel.  This kind of toothpaste has much more fluoride than regular toothpaste and is used when the teenager or adult has a history or frequent or multiple cavities.

I have to mention again that you should NEVER give a child fluoride tablets or drops without consulting your pediatrician or dentist first.  This is usually done if you have well-water rather than public water (which has fluoride added already to help prevent decay).  This is very different from the rinses discussed above, as these supplements are ingested and deposited internally.  Rinses and toothpastes are a topical, externally applied substance and aren’t distributed throughout the body.

I have to stress again that just because you have well-water does not mean that it doesn’t contain fluoride.  Fluoride is a natural mineral and so may or may not be present in many natural water sources.  If you are concerned about needing to supplement your child with fluoride tablets or drops, you need to have your well tested for the amount of fluoride already present.  If your well contains enough fluoride already, and you then  supplement your child additionally, you can cause minor to severe damage to your child’s teeth.

The amount of fluoride needed to help prevent cavities is very specific.  If given too much during the time of tooth development, it can cause discoloration, pitting and weakening of the teeth.  This condition is called “fluorosis” and is not reversible.  Treatment depends on the severity of the damage and can be both embarrassing for the child and expensive for the parent.  More concerning is the potential for bodily toxicity if the amount given is not appropriate for the weight and age of the child.

If you, your child or someone you know continues to get cavities regularly despite all efforts to avoid them, there could be something else going on.  Occasionally, adults or children may have an overabundance of the cavity causing bacteria.  This excess presence of  cavity-causing “bugs” can increase the rate and/or amount of cavities received.  If you feel that you have been successful at achieving good oral hygiene and are not consuming abnormal amounts of sugars or carbohydrates, then tell your dentist.  Usually they will recognize this anyhow and discuss nutrition with you once more to be sure there isn’t something you’re eating