A recent dental health study tells us that preschoolers have more cavities now than preschoolers did a decade ago.

We are told that two possible reasons for this increase in cavities is feeding young children processed sugary snack foods and using too much bottled water and juices, which wouldn't provide fluoride like tap water usually does.

Sweets cause tooth decay when the sugars combine with plaque to form acids on the teeth. The acids form holes in the enamel which result cavities. Regular flossing and brushing will reduce the risk of cavities from sugary foods.

You may be surprised to learn that your baby can be brushing his or her teeth at this age. Even if there are no teeth present, use a soft cloth to wipe the gums to remove bacteria. And once that first tooth comes in, brush it gently, so that your baby learns this important habit.

Baby teeth aren't isolated. Cavities in baby teeth can actually migrate through the gums and infect adult teeth, too. These teeth not only help form the developing jaws, but they hold space for the permanent teeth so that a normal bite occurs.

Published 09/05/08