Submitted
Most people don’t think of tooth decay as a disease. Yet in fact, it is the most common chronic childhood disease. Information from within the David Thompson Health Region indicates that an average of 20 per cent of the three-year-old children seen in our clinics are now being referred to a dentist. Accordingly, the region is actively suggesting to parents that preventing tooth decay in their children should start before age one, much earlier than what is commonly believed.
Sylvia Baran, DTHR Dental Hygienist, notes that the bacteria responsible for tooth decay can be passed on to their children from parents. With the amount of close contact between parents and young children it is important parents keep their teeth clean and healthy and repair any decayed teeth. This helps to reduce the amount of bacteria passed from parent to child.
Baran says that dental bacteria can grow in a child’s mouth as bacteria flourish in an environment where there is a constant supply of food, especially sugars and starches. Once teeth appear in the mouth, she urges parents to brush their child’s teeth twice a day with a small soft toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
“Child and adult toothpaste contain the same amount of fluoride, so toothpaste should be used sparingly,“ Baran says. “If parents are concerned about whether or not to use fluoride toothpaste, there are fluoride-free brands available. Checking with a dental health professional for their recommendations is always a good practice.”
If a bottle of formula, milk, juice or other beverage is left in bed with an infant for comfort or as a reward, teeth can decay rapidly. Bacteria in the mouth break down the natural and added sugars to make tooth decay acids. Because a baby can suck on the bottle any time they want, there is a constant supply of tooth decay acids being produced. -It is best to feed the baby first, then put them to bed without a bottle.
Babies as young as six to nine months can drink from a cup with parental assistance. Baran suggests that if bottle-feeding, babies should be weaned to a cup by 12 months of age. She also suggests that if sippy cups are used, they should be used to quench thirst only, and only water served.
Baran advocates that sweet foods should only be served at meals times and not used a reward for good behaviour. As with adults and older children, snacking on sweet foods and sipping on sweetened drinks especially soda pop over the course of the day can quickly lead to tooth decay. She notes the Canadian Dental Association recommends scheduling a first dental check up to coincide with a child’s first birthday, or six months after the first tooth appears in the mouth. “A dental professional will be able to assess the growth and development of your child’s mouth and answer any questions parents might have,” Baran advises.
Just like measles and flu, the Dental Health team of DTHR suggests tooth decay can be prevented. And just like some of these childhood diseases, dental decay can have long-term consequences. Young children with tooth decay have a higher risk of tooth decay throughout their lives. Their bodies must fight chronic pain and infection. Depending on how severe the decay is children may be underweight for their age. Future growth and development can be affected. Other problems can arise with speech, learning and self-image.
Baran suggests that every family with young children should make good dental health an early priority. A variety of dental services are available throughout the David Thompson Health Region. Contact your local Community Health Centre for more information on tooth decay or any oral health concerns or issues.
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The DTHR Foundation launched the 2008 Hospitals’ Lottery last week at Red Deer’s Parkland Mall. The 2008 lottery marks the tenth time the Foundation has operated the successful fundraiser.
“Each year the Hospitals’ Lottery gets bigger,” said Grant Edmonds, chair of both the Lottery Committee and the DTHR Foundation. “Ten years ago we started out with approximately 250 prizes and today we have more than 430 prizes totaling more than half a million dollars. There is something for everyone.”
Proceeds from the 2008 Hospitals’ Lottery will go toward Laboratory Services enhancements. Hospitals’ Lottery will help purchase equipment that will screen patient specimens for cervical cancer. Proceeds from the lottery will also purchase a device that will provide more accurate labeling and handling of tissue samples collected from patients in operating rooms and outpatient biopsy collection services throughout the Region. As well, chemistry analyzers will be purchased for labs in Innisfail, Sundre, Olds, Rocky Mountain House, Rimbey, and Lacombe. The chemistry analyzers will increase the lab test menus in these smaller communities, enabling them to analyze more lab tests on-site instead of sending samples or patients to larger centres. With testing being done on-site, patients may experience speedier diagnoses and treatment of illness.
“Eighty per cent of all diagnoses are made as a result of laboratory tests,” said Ellen Dixon, DTHR’s Administrative Director, Laboratory. “We perform 3.6 million lab tests each year in the DTHR. We’re looking forward to increasing our regional lab capacity. The new equipment will benefit the health and well-being of our patients for years to come.”
Tickets for the 2008 Hospitals’ Lottery are now on sale and can be purchased at the DTHR Foundation office (main level, South Complex, Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre), by calling toll free 1-877-808-9005 or online at www.hospitalslottery.com. Tickets are $25 each, five for $100 or 15 for $250. Early bird draws will take place on Thursday, June 12, 2008 with the final draw taking place Friday, June 27, 2008. The DTHR Foundation will contact all winners.