Can School Milk Battle Tooth Decay?

In recent news, a school in Blackpool, England had found a staggering level of tooth decay among the children living in the area. The dental health of children in this town have been found to be the worst in the country, with more than 1 in 3 five year olds with at least one tooth with a degree of decay. By the time the children reach the age of 12, the percent of unhealthy teeth reach to 43%.

With this overwhelming amount of tooth decay found in schoolchildren, health chiefs have been working on implementing a new plan to bring down the level of decay. This project consists introducing milk fortified with fluoride in the 77 primary schools in Blackpool. Blackpool also happens to be one of the few towns that do not have fluoride in its water; milk fortified with fluoride is considered the next best option after fluoride in water. Dentists in town fully support the idea, believing that it is a step in the right direction to stop the rising level of tooth decay found in the children.

Fluoride is a mineral that how shown to work wonders for teeth. On a daily basis, minerals are continuously lost and added to a tooth’s enamel layer via demineralization and remineralization, respectively. Demineralization occurs when acids from bacteria in the mouth attack the enamel. Fluoride, along with calcium and phosphate, are minerals are crucial for the remineralization of teeth. When there is too much demineralization without adequate remineralization, the tooth is then susceptible to tooth decay. Fluoride helps combat tooth decay by strengthening the tooth, making it more resistant to plaque bacteria and sugars that are consumed. Aside from consuming fluoride through water or milk, there are other methods of receiving fluoride. Dentists can apply a fluoride gel, foam, or varnish on the teeth to prevent decay. At your next hygiene visit please ask specifically for a fluoride application. Not only can kids benefit from this  Fluoride supplements in liquid or tablet form are also viable options, but must be prescribed by your dentist, pediatrician or family doctor.

For more tips for caring about your smile go here.

Keep Your Kids Cavity Free!

Check Your Local Town Website for the Fluoride Content in Tap Water. Here is Wellesley's!

Please feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 orsmile@wellesleydentalgroup.com

References:

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/education/flouride-plan-for-school-milk-to-target-decay-1-5961467

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/fluoride-treatment

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20001010/is-fluoride-good-for-teeth-bones

http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=D&iid=303&aid=7363

http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=%20&iid=295&aid=4236