Lollipops Reduce Tooth Decay?

According to a recent study, sugar-free lollipops containing licorice root extract, reduce the bacteria that causes tooth decay.  Specifically in preschool aged children with a high-risk of tooth decay.

The study was published by the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, funded by the Research and Data Institute of the affiliated companies of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, New Mexico and North Carolina.

The researchers analyzed 66 preschool students ages 2 - 5 who were given a lollipop for 10 minutes twice daily for three weeks.  The results showed a significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans.)

AAP and CPS Recommendations on Dental Care

In a new policy statement, "Early Childhood Caries in Indigenous Communities," were provided recommendations for the prevention of dental disease in young children and pregnant women.

AAP and CPS recommendations are as follows:

• Use well-child visits to educate parents and caregivers of infants and children on proper oral hygiene and diet.
• Promote supervised use of fluoridated toothpaste in all indigenous and other high-risk children after the first tooth has erupted.
• Provide pregnant indigenous women access to prenatal screening for dental health, and referral for dental care if needed.

CSADC Reached 16,000 Children during National Children's Dental Health Month

During National Children's Dental Health Month, which took place in February, more than 16,000 children across the country received free dental screenings and/or oral health education, announced Church Street Health Management (CSHM).

This was the third year when "Healthy Child, Happy Smile Day," together with supporting community outreach initiatives provided free dental screenings and taught children about brushing and flossing and the importance of regular dental visits.

As part of the company's "Healthy Child, Happy Smile Day," Church Street Health Management's associated network of (which consists of more than 70 dental clinics in 22 states throughout the U.S.) caregivers held free screenings and community events.

New Insight on the Microbiota Of Severe ECC

Not so long ago, the researchers at The Forsyth Institute, made an incredible discovery concerning the nature of childhood dental disease. Thanks to scientific studies by Anne Tanner, BDS, who identified a new pathogen, related to severe early childhood caries (ECC); the progression of disease may now be intervened with and even halted. This bacterium, "Scardovia Wiggsiae," was present in the mouths of children with severe early childhood caries even considering the fact that there were no pathogens like Streptococcus mutant(s) detected.

How often should I brush and floss?

It's not a secret that brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that can cause tooth decay. In case if plaque remains there, it can easily turn into tartar, after what they start destroying the gums and bone, causing periodontal disease (in case the plaque and tartar are not removed). These issues can only be controlled by regular brushing and flossing.