Dental Decay in Adolescents Veronika Stiles RDH University

Dental Decay in Adolescents Veronika Stiles, RDH University of Michigan

Pre-Test • Now is a Pre-Test of your dental knowledge time • You will have 10 minutes to answer 10 “? ” • Whomever gets 9/10 and/or 10/10 will get a prize

What is Dental Decay? • • • Disease process Makes enamel soft and cavity prone Compare: Which one would you rather be?

What does dental decay look like? • On your front teeth: • In between your teeth: • Abscess from untreated decay: • See your dental care team regularly!

What factors are involved in dental decay? • • • Food or beverages consumed Bacteria in plaque Your teeth and mouth

Your Diet • • • Discussion time Tell me about your snacking routine Tell me which snacks are good for your teeth… Why? Tell me which snacks are bad for your teeth… Why?

Importance of Your Diet • • • Every time you eat, there is an acid attack Especially if you consume: Many sticky foods (e. g. , candy)… Much pop and/or juices… Sport drinks (e. g. , Gatorade)… Every time you eat these foods you bathe your teeth in sugar and acid-- cavities

Soft Drinks • Leading source of added sugar in diet • Children and teenagers are main consumers • On any given day, 73% of boys drink pop; 62% of girls drink pop • Beverages account for 21% of average daily total energy intake

Why Is Pop So Dangerous? • 20 -oz can of soda contains: 16 teaspoons of sugar 250 calories 91 mg of caffeine p. H of 3 or lower

Pop and Acid • • Most soda beverages are very acidic 2. 5 p. H-cola drinks; 2. 8 p. H-iced tea and sports drinks; 3. 2 p. H-non-cola drinks; 3. 3 p. H-for energy drinks Compare this with neutral p. H of water- 7. 0 p. H Normal p. H for oral cavity is 6. 5 -7. 4 p. H Cavities start at 5. 5 p. H

Interesting Fact • Calories added to the typical diet without increase in physical activity can lead to a weight gain of 15 pounds per year with a single 12 -oz can ingested daily

Discussion Time • If you decide to have pop, …. • Screw-to p vs Can • Who wins and why?

Basic Rules for Pop Drinking • Always use a straw to divert it from teeth • Don’t sip on your drink! • Consume pop only during meal time • Buy soda in a can: -Loses its fizz quickly -Less portable -Less likely to be finished-- fewer cavities! • Carry a bottle of water at all the times. Why?

Which Foods Are Healthy for You and Your Teeth? • • • Game time!!! There are foods in this bag I wish to show you an item On a piece of paper, put “G”-good for my teeth “B”-bad for my teeth

What Can I Do to Improve My Diet? Always eat a good breakfast Be selective with your snacks Brush your teeth frequently, especially if you just had a sugary snack • Always carry a bottle of water with you • If brushing is not possible, rinse your mouth out with water following sugar exposure • • •

Other Important Tips to Remember About Snacking • The frequency of snacking • ? For all of you: • What do you think is more harmful to your teeth: frequent small juice sips throughout the day or a bottle of juice all at once? Why?

Bacteria in Plaque • Also contributes to dental decay • Brush at least twice a day to remove it • Preferably, brush after each meal • Floss before you go to bed

Fluoride Use • • • Use fluoride rinse after you brush and floss “ACT” is a great fluoride rinse you can buy Sources of fluoride: • Fluoride helps to prevent mineral loss from the tooth • Using fluoride is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay

Your Teeth and Mouth • • • The way your teeth are shaped and formed Deep grooves and pits are more decay prone Amount of saliva Saliva has very important buffering properties Oral health habits Frequency of dental check-ups

Decay-Free Smile is in Your Hands • Dental decay is a preventable disease • Having the knowledge, it’s up to you to prevent it! • Decay-free smile is in your hands!

Dental Check-ups • Remember to maintain regular check-ups