Is more money from the Tooth Fairy warranted?

Parents often assume that children get cavities because they are relaxed about brushing and flossing their teeth. They blame sugars and starches for the decay of tooth enamel. While this true and sugar paired with poor tooth hygiene can cause severely increase cavities in children so can dental caries. Dental caries are specific germs located within the mouth and are spread easily throughout family households. According to the National Dental Institute, dental caries is more common than any other chronic childhood disease including asthma and diabetes. They suspect that around 45 percent of children age 2-11 have had dental caries affecting their primary teeth (2).

            Dental caries originates from a group of germs called mutans streptococcus (3). These bacteria feed on sugar and produce acid that will dissolve minerals and deplete the structure of the teeth. They are also known to create a yellowish film called plaque which produces even more acid to erode enamel on the surface of the tooth. As the decay progresses the inner layer of the tooth (dentin) will become affected. The buildup of bacteria allows for nerve and blood vessel exposure causing an increase in tooth sensitivity (3). Once this break down of enamel occurs the surface of the tooth will collapse and form a cavity. These bacteria are the most common source for cavity development.

            All babies are born without harmful dental caries. So how are these bacteria introduced? Studies suggest that dental caries are passed through the transfer of saliva. This transaction occurs when parents eat off the same silverware as their child or allow children to brush their teeth with their toothbrush. Meaning a parent who frequently gets cavities themselves is likely to pass that burden onto their children. Once a child’s mouth is colonized by mutans children will be prone to cavities in both primary and secondary tooth development (1). These cavities can make it difficult to eat and drink due to heightened sensitivity.  

            While we like to blame chocolate and other sugary snacks for the development of cavities. Parents should understand that they are primarily responsible for cavity development within their child. So, the next time parents think they need to cut back on candy to help tooth hygiene they should recognize that once their dental caries have been passed on there is no getting rid of them. Which just might warrant a little extra money from the tooth fairy.  

References:

1.     Felsenthal, R. (n.d.). The Surprising Truth About Cavities in Children. Retrieved December 2, 2019, from https://www.parents.com/baby/health/baby-teeth/the-surprising-truth-about-cavities/.

2.     Tooth Decay (Dental Caries) Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment. (2019, April). Retrieved December 2, 2019, from https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay/more-info.

3.     Why Does My Child Keep Getting Cavities? (2017, March 10). Retrieved December 2, 2019, from https://mydentalvisioncare.com/content/why-does-my-child-keep-getting-cavities.