Questions and Answers for Good Oral Health

Q: I have city water at home. Does this mean that my children are receiving the appropriate amount of fluoride?

A: Not necessarily. The State of Connecticut mandates that any pubic water system serving over 20,000 customers must add fluoride to the water to prevent tooth decay. If your water company serves fewer than 20,000 customers, you many not be receiving fluoridated water and your children may need supplements. To find out if your water is fluoridated, visit the American Dental Association website at www.ada.org, which has a list of communities with fluoridated water listed by state in the Public section under Your Oral Health: A-Z Topics.

Q: I have well water. I asked my pediatrician for a fluoride prescription for my children, but she said that the water must first be tested. How do I do this?

A: Your pediatrician is correct. Because fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral, some wells may already provide adequate levels of fluoride to prevent tooth decay. Each water supply is different. Fluoride levels must be determined before a supplement is prescribed. To have your water tested for fluoride, contact the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, at (860) 679-2805.

Q: I try to limit the amount of sugar that my son gets by allowing him only one soda per day. He is very careful with this treat and sips it slowly, making it last all afternoon. With this limited amount of sugar, why is he still getting cavities?

A: It’s hard to believe, but when it comes to sugar causing cavities, the frequency is more important than the amount. Cavities develop when acid dissolves the mineral in the enamel layer of the tooth, weakening it and eventually making a hole in the tooth. The acid is formed by the bacteria found in plaque. Once sugar enters the mouth, bacteria use it to produce acid. The acid is then sent out onto the teeth to begin destruction of the enamel. Once the bacteria begin to produce acid they will continue this process for about 20 minutes, even after the sugar is swallowed!

Consequently, each time your son takes a sip of soda, his teeth are bathed in acid for about 20 minutes. By spreading this process out all afternoon, his teeth are exposed to cavity causing acid for a prolonged period of time. On the other hand, if he drank the whole soda with his lunch, the teeth would only be exposed to acid for a total of about 20 minutes. Even better, enjoying his soda with a meal will make it more convenient for him to brush afterward, remove the bacteria, and stop the acid production.

Q: Every time I brush my teeth, my gums bleed a little. Is this OK?

A: Bleeding gums is a sign of infection called gingivitis. When bacteria are not thoroughly removed from below the gums with proper brushing and flossing, infection begins. Excess blood is sent to the area in an attempt to fight the infection resulting in bleeding gums. If not addressed, gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease. This results in the bone which surrounds the teeth being dissolved. Eventually, the teeth lose all of their bony support, become loose and could fall out. The easiest way to prevent gingivitis is to remove the bacterial plaque daily through thorough brushing and flossing. For help in finding the best way to brush and floss, ask your dental professional or go to the Oral Health Center section of this website.

Q: I have noticed some brown spots on my two-year-old’s teeth, near the gumline. No matter how hard I brush, the spots won’t come off. My sister suggested that I take her to the dentist, but she’s only two. What should I do?

A: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as well as the American Dental Association recommends that a child’s first dental visit occur before his/her first birthday. While your child will not receive the same services that you do (cleaning, X-Rays, etc.), your dentist and his/her staff can examine your child’s mouth and provide valuable information about what you can do to prevent dental problems and ensure a healthy mouth for your baby. Some general dentists will see very young children. If yours does not, you may want to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist, someone who specializes in dentistry for children. To find a pediatric dentist in your area visit the Connecticut Society of Pediatric Dentistry website at www.cspdweb.org or the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website at www.aapd.org. In addition, your telephone book yellow pages has a listing at the end of the Dentist section called “Guide to Dentists.” Look for Pediatric Dentists.

Q: My mother has dentures. She says that since she has no teeth, she doesn’t need a yearly dental visit. Is this true?

A: No. Dental professionals are trained to treat the entire mouth, not just the teeth. People with dentures should still schedule regular dental visits. At this time, the dentist and the dental hygienist can check for any suspicious lesions in the mouth, make sure that the dentures fit correctly and instruct your mom about how to care for her dentures.

Q: My children are covered by HUSKY insurance. I have called every dental office in my town, but no one accepts kids with HUSKY insurance. How can I find someone to take care of my children’s teeth?

1. Call your managed care company and ask for a list of dentists in your area who accept your insurance. Phone numbers for the dental managed care companies are:

• Blue Care Family Plan Member Services: 800-554-1707

• Community Health Network Member Services: 800-859-9889

• HealthNet: 800-820-0210

• Preferred One: 800-925-3606

2. Contact the Dental unit of the Connecticut Department of Public Health to find out if there is a clinic in your area. The number is (860) 509-7850.

3. Call your legislators to let them know about your problems finding a dentist to treat your children. Learn how to contact your legislators at www.cga.ct.gov/maps/townlist.asp or call COHI at (860) 246-2644.

4. There is a current lawsuit against the state brought on behalf of families on HUSKY A having problems getting dental care. The attorneys on the case will try to help you. Call Jamey Bell, Greater Hartford Legal Aid, at 860-541-5046.