What causes early childhood caries?
ECC is an infectious, transmissible disease. It is brought on by decay causing bacteria like mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, and other acid-producing bateria. They are caused by bacteria metabolized from carbohydrates, including sugary foods and drinks, and foods like white crackers and potato chips. It is the frequency of carbohydrates intake as well as the acid-producing foods and drinks that causes dental caries. More information is available in this article by Dr. John D.B. Featherstone.
When should a child first see a dentist?
Soon after the first tooth comes in, and no later than the age of 1 year old. Please see the AAPD recommendation.
How much toothpaste should be used to brush a young child's teeth?
Put a small pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste across the brush of a childs toothbrush. Apply the toothpaste across the width of the brush, instead of the length.
Doesn't fluoridated water reduce caries?
Yes, but currently only 30% of Californians have it. Click here to see if you have it. The map is a general guide and does not include areas that receive fluoride naturally. Call the local water supplier for more specific information.
Do water filters remove fluoride from drinking water?
Pour-through water filters (like Brita) do not remove fluoride from the water. Either reverse osmosis or distillation must occur for fluoride to be removed. The NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) has a complete database of water filtration devices on their website. You can search by manufacturer to find out what is removed with your device.
Who is allowed to place fluoride varnish?
With proper training and/or supervision, most all members of the dental and medical teams may apply fluoride varnish. Click here for the duty table published by COMDA for dental auxiliaries, and click here for excerpts from the California Nurse Practice Act and the Medical Board of California regarding nurses and medical assistants.
