Calgary children are facing a dental conundrum. Decay rates in Calgary have steadily been on the rise over the past five years. More children are not only getting cavities, they’re getting more of them. A family dentist in Calgary, like myself, may see children who have very serious decay issues, with decay spreading rapidly.
What is the cause of this spread? Is there anything that can be done to keep it from progressing?
Something that has proven effective over cavities for decades has been fluoride. This is, however, a controversial topic for some. Those of us in the dental field endorse the use of fluoride products and water fluoridation. Yet, there are many who oppose fluoride use. In fact, Calgary is one city that has completely eliminated water fluoridation.
When it comes to dental care for children in Calgary, which is the better option: to fluoridate or not to fluoridate?
What has happened since Calgary eliminated fluoridated tap water?
Back in 2011, our city council voted to eliminate water fluoridation. The
vote was 10-3 in favor of the change. Residents of Calgary and council members in favour of the change stated that residents should be able to choose whether they want to ingest fluoride or not. Many of them were worried about fluoride’s side effects.
Unfortunately, as many in the dental community feared, there has been a rise in tooth decay since water fluoridation was done away with. Just about every pediatric dentist in Calgary was worried this would happen.
According to the Huffington Post, more kids in Calgary have to see their Calgary dentist for decay issues than children in Edmonton. Edmonton has continued to add fluoride to the tap water.
A fluoride study was recently done at the
University of Calgary. Researchers compared the level of pediatric tooth decay in Edmonton and Calgary in over 5,000 children. The results confirmed what Calgary dentist offices have known for years—water fluoridation is extremely important to a child’s oral health.
Why Fluoridation is Necessary for Optimal Dental Care for Children in Calgary
Fluoride has been studied by the dental community since 1801. Between 1933 and 1945 in particular is when studies were done to see if water fluoridation would help in the prevention of cavities. Fluoride has been shown to
increase the size and growth rate of a person’s enamel crystals. This helps to strengthen the enamel so that it can withstand acids from sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Without fluoride, the teeth can withstand only so much from acidic onslaughts before breaking down and decaying.
Children who drink fluoridated water, use fluoride toothpaste, and get fluoride treatments from their dentist are not immune to decay. However, the cavities they get are typically quite shallow. So much so, in fact, that removing their decay and filling the cavity rarely requires anesthesia. Children who don’t receive fluoride
tend to get deeper cavities and more of them.
When it comes to dental care for children, we recommend the following:
- Fluoridated water if at all possible.
- Fluoride treatments at regular dental visits (every six months).
- The daily use of fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride toothpaste should be used around age three when children are able to spit the toothpaste out. Swallowing toothpaste can cause an upset stomach.
Your Seton/Calgary SE dentist is on a mission to reduce childhood decay
At Outdoor Dental, our goal is to teach our pediatric patients from a very early age how to take care of their health—both general and dental. We want to help parents reduce their child’s chances of getting dental decay. That is why we offer complementary exams for children between the ages of 12-24 months. It is also why we teach both parents and children about the importance of a healthy diet, physical activity, and regularly show them the proper ways to care for their teeth. And, it is also why we recommend fluoride products.
If you are interested in finding out more about fluoride, how healthy it is, and why your child should be on it, we invite you to contact us. We will be happy to answer all of your questions about dental care for children in Calgary. Let us help you get your child started on the road to fewer cavities and greater dental health.
Are you looking for a SE Calgary family dentist in Seton, Auburn Bay, Cranston area? At Outdoor Dental, we welcome children of all ages. Contact us today to
