April 13, 2004

By: Lynn Evan
Website: http://www.teeth-whitening-smiles.com

Childhood Cavities – UC Program Addresses An Epidemic Of Early Childhood Dental Cavities

A noted UC San Francisco dental researcher will be in Merced, to speak to physicians, dentists, physician assistants and nurse practitioners about an epidemic of early childhood dental cavities that puts medically underserved children at risk of serious dental disorders.

The program is designed to help local health professionals feel more comfortable examining children's mouths and be better prepared to educate parents about behaviors that can contribute to severe tooth decay in infants and young children.

Many at-risk children do not see pediatric dentists regularly. It's important that the health providers they do have contact with know how to identify dental problems and have information to advise parents on prevention and treatment, said Dr. Martha Lopez, UC Cooperative Extension nutrition, family and consumer sciences advisor in Merced County.

Severe tooth decay, which affects more than one of seven preschool children and over half of elementary school students, is an infectious disease initiated by the bacteria Streptococcus mutans. Prolonged exposure of the teeth to sugary liquids like milk, formula or fruit juice causes the bacteria to multiply rapidly and demineralize protective tooth enamel, resulting in decay.

Francisco J. Ramos-Gomez, associate professor in the Department of Growth and Development, Division of Pediatric Dentistry in the UCSF School of Dentistry, will address emerging research on bacteriology as it relates to tooth decay and discuss cultural behaviors and practices that may introduce Streptococcus mutans bacteria into a child's mouth. Alan Hoffman, a Merced pediatric dentist, will talk about prevention, early diagnosis and referral.

Author Notes:

Lynn Evan contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.teeth-whitening-smiles.com.  Everything you need to know to get a whiter, brighter smile!