Diet, regular exams can protect children's teeth Published Feb. 22, 2012 By Capt. (Dr.) Jessical Milburn 81st Dental Squadron KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- As a child's teeth develop, they should be routinely checked with dental exams. The dentist evaluates the developing bite, presence of negative habits and risk factors associated with cavities. Dental visits every six months allow the dentist to catch problems early, hopefully before extensive and expensive treatment is needed. Prevention of cavities is related to proper nutrition. A diet low in sugary foods such as chips, cookies, cake, fruit juices, soda and candies is beneficial to overall health and weight maintenance and keeps teeth strong and healthy. Sugary foods are used by the bacteria to break down tooth structure and cause cavities. Generally speaking, sticky food is high in sugar. Only gum containing "xylitol" has been proven to help prevent cavities. To prevent cavities, a meal can be finished with a piece of cheese or glass of milk or water. If parents have cavities, they may transmit those bacteria to their infant and children through their saliva and sharing utensils at meal time, so they need to get cavities fixed. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral found in water and some foods and is known to help prevent cavities. In fact, water fluoridation has been cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the "10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century." Fluoride helps strengthen and remineralize teeth from the acidic effects of foods and bacteria that break down teeth. A dentist can help determine if a child is adequately exposed to fluoride. Excessive fluoride consumption can lead to "fluorosis" where teeth have a chalky white- or brownstained appearance or, worse, can lead to fluoride toxicity. Fluoride supplement pills or drops are not advisable because of their potency and difficulty in precisely determining how much fluoride is actually consumed. Instead, drinking bottled fluoridated water is suggested. Use of fluoridated toothpaste is not recommended prior to age 3 or before most children are able to spit. At around 6 years old, the first adult teeth come in the lower molars -- and the dentist may recommend these teeth be "sealed." Eighty percent of all cavities in young patients are due to bacteria from food that remains in the grooves of the biting surfaces of teeth that a tooth brush can't effectively remove. A sealant fills these grooves preventing cavities. With the development of more teeth, a child will need to be evaluated to determine if more sealants as well as specialty referral are needed. A beautiful smile throughout life starts with proper nutrition and good oral hygiene practices from an early age. Dentists are not only there to fix dental problems, they are also a valuable tool to help prevent costly dental problems in a child's future.