Dental Health Check with Dr. Linda Niessen
Dental health topics from Dr. Linda Niessen of Baylor College of Dentistry
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 Child Tooth Decay

By Web Communications
Baylor College of Dentistry
The Texas A&M Health Science Center
Monday, March 22, 2004
STORY:  Child Tooth Decay

SCRIPT # 550  SHOOT:  3/4/04

Dentists see a new trend among American children: a different pattern of tooth decay. Dr. Linda Niessen reports a rise in cavities among children with dental sealants. Details in today's segment of Dental Health Check.

Dental sealants protect only the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Decay can develop on the sides and especially at contact points between teeth. We call decay in these hard to reach areas "interproximal."

"Cavities in my practice between the teeth are very common. I actually see more of that now than I'm seeing cavities on the biting surfaces of the teeth."

Many pediatric dentists such as Dr. Linda Steele are detecting more interproximal decay than traditional cavities on top of teeth.

"Our American diet is loaded with sugar," said Dr. Steele. A diet high in sugar plays a role. So do oral hygiene habits, especially flossing. "Usually I ask my parents if they are flossers themselves, because that's a key thing."

Five year old Connor Mushinski has two cavities between baby teeth, a surprising diagnosis for his parents. "The ones in between the teeth like Connor has are hard to spot," said Karen Mushinski, Conner's mom. "And you brush and all those things are you don't quite get everything apparently. Because I was a little surprised when he had cavities."

Dentists often detect interproximal decay through routine dental x-rays. "They need check-ups every six months and x-rays once a year," said Dr. Steele.

A check-up may be the best time for a flossing lesson. "Wrap the floss around one tooth. Pull it out. And then the other tooth and pull it out.  The child can lay their head down on the parent's lap. The parent can sit on the sofa. Child can look up. And the parent can floss the child's teeth."

Like most things, parents set the example. Make sure your children sees you floss so you can help them develop the habit. For Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M System, I'm Dr. Linda Niessen, Channel 8 News.

Dr. Linda Niessen, clinical professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and  the Office of Communications and Development at Baylor College of Dentistry, hosts Dental Health Check, the only weekly dental feature shot on location in the nation.

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