Strange way to prevent tooth decay!

New research finds there's a huge problem with our children's teeth and it's not cavities. It's a slow, silent process that's eating away at a tooth's enamel. I was surprised by some advice in this study. I always thought kids should brush their teeth right after they eat something with sugar! I guess I was wrong!

From Medstar: Finding out your child has a cavity is the last thing parents want to hear after a dental exam. but now there's something else to worry about. A first of its kind study finds that 30-percent of 10-to 14-year-olds have dental erosion. It's the loss of enamel caused by acids found in certain foods and drinks.

Dr.Bennett Amaechi said, "The thing is that at the early stage, dental erosion, the surface looks very shiny." So shiny, people don't usually notice a problem. Anna Vega enrolled three of her children in the study. Her 11-year-old's teeth had trouble spots. Anna Vega said, "I really didn't think it was doing any damage to them. I figured they ate it, they would brush and it turned out that stuff was doing harm to them."

Researchers focused on acidic products that cause dental erosion like: soda, sports drinks, herbal teas, fruit juices and some candies. and while you don't have to avoid them completely - moderation is key. Like cavities, catching erosion at its earliest can help prevent problems.
Dr. Bennett Amaechi said, "The key thing is that dentists should capture it at the early stage because if you leave it to get advanced, the patient will suffer by sensitivity."

Anna says her kids only have soda or candy on special occasions, because now they know the damage it can do. Experts also say don't have your children brush their teeth immediately after candy or soda. Have them rinse with milk first. it apparently helps break up the acid on their teeth before they brush.

FAST FACTS:
-Tooth erosion is the loss of enamel caused by exposure to acids.
-In a recent study, about 30 percent of middle school students were found to have some degree of tooth erosion.
-High acid foods and beverages, like colas and some citrus fruits, are more likely to cause tooth erosion.
-Patients can take steps to reduce the risk for tooth erosion.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here.