Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a benefit of offering nourishing liquids during meal times only?
What is a benefit of offering nourishing liquids during meal times only?
Why is plain water a good option for children between meals?
Why is plain water a good option for children between meals?
What is a critical role of saliva in oral health?
What is a critical role of saliva in oral health?
Why is it important to sterilize feeding items?
Why is it important to sterilize feeding items?
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What is a benefit of inspecting feeding items regularly?
What is a benefit of inspecting feeding items regularly?
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What is the primary function of fluoride in preventing tooth decay?
What is the primary function of fluoride in preventing tooth decay?
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Why are children from low-income families more vulnerable to tooth decay?
Why are children from low-income families more vulnerable to tooth decay?
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What is the recommended amount of fluoride toothpaste for children under three years old?
What is the recommended amount of fluoride toothpaste for children under three years old?
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Why is it important to transition children from breastfeeding or bottle feeding to drinking from a cup?
Why is it important to transition children from breastfeeding or bottle feeding to drinking from a cup?
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What is the compound formed when fluoride binds with calcium and phosphate ions?
What is the compound formed when fluoride binds with calcium and phosphate ions?
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Study Notes
Fluoride and Tooth Decay Prevention
- Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, the outer protective layer of teeth, making it less susceptible to acid attacks that cause tooth decay.
Importance of Fluoridated Water
- Adding fluoride to public water supplies at an average concentration of one part per million prevents tooth decay.
- Communities without access to fluoridated water, especially children from low-income families, are at a heightened risk of dental decay.
- The absence of fluoride in the water supply leads to increased rates of dental decay, necessitating more dental interventions and elevating healthcare expenses.
How Fluoride Works
- When fluoride binds with calcium and phosphate ions, it forms fluorapatite, which is less susceptible to acid attacks, helping to stop the tooth decay process.
Alternative Fluoride Sources
- In areas without fluoridated water, fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinses, and dietary supplements can help mitigate the lack of fluoride in drinking water.
Importance of Early Prevention
- New guidelines from the American Dental Association recommend children start using toothpaste with fluoride as soon as they get their first tooth to help fight cavities.
- About one in four children have cavities by the time they enter kindergarten, making early prevention crucial.
Safe Use of Fluoride Toothpaste
- Use only small amounts of fluoride toothpaste, as excessive consumption can discolor permanent teeth.
- Daily brushing and flossing, along with regular checkups, are the best way to keep children cavity-free.
Promoting Dental Health in Young Children
- Teach children to transition from breastfeeding or bottle feeding to drinking from a cup around 12 months to reduce exposure to sugars that can lead to decay.
- Encourage children to drink plain water throughout the day, which helps wash away food particles and dilutes acids produced by bacteria.
Infant Teachers' Role in Maintaining Oral Health
- Ensure all feeding items are handled properly to prevent the spread of bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
- Sterilize and clean feeding items, and ensure they are not shared among children.
- Teachers should wash their hands consistently before handling food or feeding items, and consider using disposable gloves for added protection.
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Description
This quiz explores the role of fluoride in preventing tooth decay, its effect on tooth enamel, and its addition to public water supplies.
