Tooth Decay Tooth decay is the major cause of tooth loss in children. Tooth decay, or dental caries, is caused by bacteria. For a tooth to decay, three elements are needed: plaque, food containing sugars and starches, and a susceptible tooth. When foods containing sugars and starches are eaten, the bacteria in plaque holds these acids onto the teeth, where they attack the enamel for twenty minutes or more. After repeated attacks, the enamel may break down, forming a cavity. Periodontal Diseases Periodontal diseases afflict the gums and bones that support the teeth. Although these diseases are most common among adults, some form of periodontal disease affects 39 percent of children and 68 percent of youths in the United States, according to a recent survey. Studies show that many periodontal problems which occur later in life could be caused by the neglect of oral care during childhood and adolescence. An early sign of periodontal disease is swollen gums that bleed easily, especially diseases are caused by the bacteria in plaque. If plaque is not removed by daily brusing and flossing--along with regular professional cleaning by a dentist --toxins created by these bacteria can irritate the gums, making them tender and likely to bleed. If not treated at an early stage, bleeding gums can lead to tooth loss.		Chewing surface decay
		Decay between these teeth
		Decay along this gum line

Keeping Teeth Healthy To prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease, toothbrushing and flossing are needed daily to remove the harmful plaque from your child's teeth. Toothbrushing and Flossing Ask your dentist to recommend a toothbrush for your child. Children need smaller brushes, specially designed for them. Generally, a brush with soft, endrounded or polished bristles is recommended, since it is less likely to injure gum tissue. All children go through toothbrushes quickly. Check your child's toothbrush often and replace it when it is worn out. Bent or frayed bristles will not clean plaque from your child's teeth, and they can damage the gums. Brushing removes plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces of the teeth. Select a fluoride toothpaste with the seal of the Food and Drug Administration. Children should clean their teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste after every meal and at bedtime. To prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease, toothbrushing and flossing are needed daily to remove the harmful plaque from your child's teeth.		Hold the brush at a 45 angle and gently brush the outer surfaces, using a back-and-forth motion.
		Then brush the inner surfaces of the back teeth using the same motion.
		Don't forget to brush tongue after finish tooth-brushing.

Toothbrushing and Flossing

Ask your dentist to recommend a toothbrush for your child. Children need smaller brushes, specially designed for them. Generally, a brush with soft, endrounded or polished bristles is recommended, since it is less likely to injure gum tissue.

All children go through toothbrushes quickly. Check your child's toothbrush often and replace it when it is worn out. Bent or frayed bristles will not clean plaque from your child's teeth, and they can damage the gums.

Brushing removes plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces of the teeth. Select a fluoride toothpaste with the seal of the Food and Drug Administration.

Children should clean their teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste after every meal and at bedtime.

Use about 18 inches of floss, wind most of it around the middle fingers of both hands. Hold the floss tightly between the thumbs and forefingers. Use a gentle, sawing motion to guide the floss between the teeth.		curve the floss into a C shape and slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel resistance. Now , gently scrape the floss against the side of the tooth.		Repeat this procedure on each tooth. Don't forget the backs of the last four teeth.

Flossing removes plaque that hides between the teeth and under the gumline, areas where a toothbrush cannot reach. Supervising your child while he or she brushes and flosses will insure that a proper job is done.

Fluoride

Fluoride is one of the most effective elements for preventing tooth decay. This mineral combines with tooth enamel to strengthen it against decay. Fluoride may also actually reverse microscopic cavities by enhancing the process by which minerals, including calcium, are incorporated into the teeth.

The most effective way for your child to get fluoride's protection is by drinking water containing the right amount of the mineral---about one part fluoride per million parts water. This is of special benefit to children, because fluoride is incorporated into enamel as teeth form. Children who from birth drink water containing fluoride have up to 40 percent fewer cavities. Many of them remain cavity-free proved safe and effective.

Your dentist may recommend various ways to get fluoride protection, including:

• drinking fluoridated water at school
• taking prescribed fluoride tablets or drops
• fluoride application in the dental office
• brushing with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
• using a fluoride mouthrinse of children over age six