1. HOW CAN I PREVENT CAVITIES?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises: Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Floss children's teeth once a day until they are able to do it themselves – around age 7 or 8. Visit your pediatric or general dentist regularly. Get enough fluoride through drinking water, fluoride products and, when indicated, through fluoride supplements. Have sealants applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent back teeth or molars soon after they come in. Snack moderately – no more than twice a day.

2. IS DIET IMPORTANT IN THE PREVENTION OF CAVITIES?

Experts agree that cavities are not only the result of what children eat, but also, how often they eat. Frequent snacking without brushing leaves food on the teeth longer and fosters tooth decay.

3. WHAT ARE DENTAL SEALANTS?

Dental sealants protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth where most cavities in children are found. Made of clear or shaded plastic, sealants are painted onto the tiny grooves and depressions in the molars. By "sealing out" food and plaque, sealants reduce the risk of decay. They are quickly and painlessly applied to any baby teeth and permanent teeth that, in the dentist's opinion, are likely to have decay on the biting surface. Sealants must be checked periodically and replaced when necessary, though they generally last for several years.

4. CAN ALL CHILDREN BENEFIT FROM DENTAL SEALANTS?

Studies show that 4 out of 5 cavities in children under age 15 develop on the biting surface of back molars. Molars commonly decay because plaque accumulates in the tiny grooves of the chewing surfaces. Though fluoride works to prevent cavities on the smooth surfaces of teeth, it is not as effective on the biting surfaces of back teeth. Sealants prevent the cavities that fluoride cannot effectively reach. As a preventive mechanism, sealants are an important part of a cavity-free generation.

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