Dental X-Rays and Their Importance in Correct Diagnosis

X-rays, also known as radiographs, are an essential part of any dental care treatment plan. They are diagnostic, but they can also be preventative, by helping a dentist diagnose potential oral care issues in a patient’s mouth before they become a major problem. An x-ray is a type of energy that passes through soft tissues and is absorbed by dense tissue. Teeth and bone are very dense, so they absorb X-rays, while X-rays pass more easily through gums and cheeks.

X-rays are divided into two main categories, intraoral and extraoral. Intraoral is an X-ray that is taken inside the mouth. An extraoral X-ray is taken outside of the mouth.

Intraoral X-rays are the most common type of radiograph taken in dentistry. They give a high level of detail of the tooth, bone and supporting tissues of the mouth. These X-rays allow dentists to:

• Find cavities
• Look at the tooth roots
• Check the health of the bony area around the tooth
• Determine if periodontal disease is an oral care issue
• See the status of developing teeth
• Otherwise, monitor good tooth health through prevention

X-rays, also called radiographs, are a valuable diagnostic tool. X-rays help the dentist to,

• See how your child's teeth are erupting (coming into the mouth)
• See the number, size and position of teeth that are still inside the gums
• Find out whether there are missing teeth or extra teeth
• Monitor mouth and teeth injuries
• Determine whether the teeth or mouth are infected
• Prepare for braces and other orthodontic treatment
• Detect problems that can't be seen with a visual exam
• Identify bone diseases
• Diagnose cavities in between teeth that are touching each other

There is no standard timetable for when your child's mouth should be X-rayed. The need varies with the child's development and dental health. If your child has had many cavities and fillings or has a high risk of tooth decay, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends X-rays every six months. This can help to detect cavities developing between teeth. Whether X-rays are needed also depends on how well your child brushes and flosses, and your child's diet.

Other children may not need X-rays taken as often. If X-rays aren't taken when they are needed, problems can become worse.

Content Excerpts from http://www.colgate.com/

Common Dental Emergencies and their Management - TOOTHACHE

Dental emergencies are more frequent than you can imagine. No parent likes to see their child in pain, and the earlier it is dealt with, the sooner is the problem identified, treated and better recovery.

Below are some of the most common dental emergencies and how they can be treated;

TOOTHACHE

Toothache is the commonest dental problem that kids face. It is experienced by children of all ages, and almost always has a specific cause that may or may not have gone unnoticed. Common causes of toothache include decay, fractures, trauma and eruption of wisdom teeth ( in adolescence).

What you can do?

CLEAN MOUTH

• ·         Cleanse or gargle with warm water first. Don't apply anything, keep warm cloth over the affected tooth or adjacent gum area.
•       Check if food has become impacted anywhere in between the teeth. Remove it as gently as possible using a clean finger, toothbrush or dental floss.

CONTROL SWELLING AND PAIN

• In case of localized swelling, apply a cold compress over the affected area. Ice cubes can also be wrapped in cloth and placed over it. This reduces swelling temporarily.
• Avoid giving any kind of medication to children at this stage without doctor's advice

VISIT A DENTIST

• ·         In case of prolonged pain that doesn't subside or swelling that doesn't relieve, it indicates a deeper dental problem that needs a dentist to look into. 
•       If the toothache is a result of an injury or fall on the face or jaw, details given to the doctor can help in the right treatment.

FOLLOW UP

• ·         The paediatric dentist will examine the child's teeth to understand the cause of pain & its origin. She will check for any decay, fracture, grinding and will treat accordingly.

·         In case of swelling or localized tenderness, it might be indicative of infection. This will need medication as per the stage of the problem.

·         In case of teeth grinding or bruxism, mouth guards may be advised (dependent on the child's age)

Toothache in children must never be ignored, because it often indicates the start of the problem or a stage at which the right treatment can reverse the deterioration process.

If you aren't sure about the cause or need a specialist to look into it, reach out to Dr.Premila of Small Bites Dental Clinic at the earliest.

Pediatric Dental X-ray Types

Dental x-rays are an essential part of any dental care treatment plan. They are diagnostic, but they can also be preventive, by helping a dentist diagnose potential oral care issues in a patient’s mouth before they become a major problem.

There are five types of X-rays your dentist may use for your child, depending on the goal:

* Bitewing X-rays (also called cavity-detecting X-rays) — These X-rays are used to view the areas between teeth that cannot be seen directly. They show where cavities are starting. These X-rays are needed only after the teeth in the back of the mouth are touching each other. In some children, this doesn't happen until the first permanent molar (also called the 6-year molar) has erupted.

* Periapical X-rays — These are used to view the entire crowns and roots of one, two or three teeth that are next to each other. The X-rays also will show the supporting bone structure of the teeth. This type of X-ray lets the dentist see a child's permanent teeth growing below the baby teeth. It also is used to look for abscesses and gum disease.

* Panoramic X-rays — These X-rays are used to view all of the teeth on one film. They also show the upper and lower jaws, the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and the sinuses above the upper teeth. They are often used if a child has hurt his or her face, has orthodontic problems, or is mentally or physically disabled. Panoramic X-rays, unlike other types, do not require a film to be put in the child's mouth. This is helpful for children who gag easily or who have small mouths. This X-ray has to be exposed for 12 to 18 seconds. The patient must be able to sit or stand still for that whole time.

* Occlusal X-rays — These are used to view most of the upper or lower teeth on one film. This is useful when the dentist does not have a panoramic X-ray machine or when the child has difficulty in taking bitewing or periapical X-rays.

* Orthodontic X-rays (also called cephalometric or lateral skull) — This type of X-ray shows the head from the side. It is used to evaluate growth of the jaws and the relationship of bones in the skull. It helps an orthodontist make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

Dental X-rays are very safe and expose your child to a minimal amount of radiation. When all standard safety precautions are taken, today's X-ray equipment is able to prevent unnecessary radiation and allows the dentist to focus the X-ray beam on a specific part of the mouth. High-speed film enables the dentist to reduce the amount of radiation the patient receives. A lead body apron or shield will be placed over the child's body. Make sure the shield covers your child's neck to protect the thyroid gland. It also should extend all the way to the thighs to protect the genitals and reproductive organs.

Content excerpts from http://www.colgate.com/

Bruxism - Teeth Grinding Isn't Always Harmless

When children are growing, there are several things you need to be aware of, their weight gain, their food intake and the general state of their health. Often parents tend to ignore the mouth, assuming that as long as teeth are brushed and general mouth hygiene is maintained, everything will be alright.

Teeth brushing and observing the regular milestones of milk and permanent teeth aren’t the only things that need to be observed, since there are many other problems that point out to underlying issues in children, which if not treated affect teeth and their physical health, as well as add to the stress as they grow up.

One such condition that many parents tend to overlook, is Teeth Grinding or Bruxism. Although not a symptom, it points to an underlying .

Teeth grinding, teeth gnashing, or the unconscious act of clenching and unclenching teeth is present in most kids, with 2-3 out of 10 children having this problem. Most children grow out of it by the age of 7 years, but many others carry this habit well into adulthood. 

 Although the reasons are unknown, experts have given a few reasons for this condition,

• Stress induced teeth grinding, especially when children aren’t able to cope with a new situation, such as a test at school or meeting new people. An argument with parents or siblings or arrival of a second sibling is also seen as a probable cause
•  Mal-aligned top and bottom teeth which causes irritation and subsequent teeth gnashing
•  Pain anywhere in the face is also a cause, whether earache or appearance of new teeth 
•  Hyperactivity and restlessness
•  Kids with medical conditions ( such as cerebral palsy) or who take certain medication.

 How does one whether your child is grinding their teeth?

Have you heard your child’s jaw moving continuously or regular sounds from their mouth during bedtime? If you hear them grind their teeth while asleep, without being aware of it, and they experience a painful jaw or mouth on waking up or pain when chewing, it indicates they suffer from the condition.

What harm can it cause?

Bruxism as such is a temporary harmless condition, and children most often outgrow it. In those children where this condition persists, symptoms of headache or earaches are often complained. 

What harm can it cause the teeth?

A side effect of bruxism is the harm it can do to the child’s teeth. Nightime grinding, gnashing and clenching the teeth, can wear down tooth enamel, gradually chip off teeth, make the tooth temperature sensitive and also cause lingering jaw and mouth problems and pain.

It is important to take the child to a pediatric dentist, before the condition causes severe irreparable damage to the teeth in the long run. A dentist will examine the child’s teeth for chipped tooth enamel, and any other wear and tear.  In addition questions related to stress or tension will try to be discerned.

All these observations will give the dentist information on whether the cause for bruxism is psychological (stress induced) or structural (misaligned teeth) and treat the child accordingly. 

 Treatment

While the condition is outgrown by most children, some kids who have severe pain and wearing out, are prescribed a mouthguard; a thin protective mouthpiece moulded to the child’s teeth that acts as a barrier between the opposing sets. This can take care of the major problem.

If the cause is emotional or psychological, the underlying cause needs to be found out by talking to the child, understand reasons that are upsetting them, and try and resolve the issue. If it seems more complicated, then their fears will need to be eased by counseling.

Bruxism usually stops when the milk teeth are lost. In few cases the condition might continue well into teenage years. The condition cannot altogether be avoided, because most often, it is a coping mechanism in children, and their natural reaction to growth and development. It can however be avoided by talking to children frequently, letting them open up and ensuring regular visits to the pediatric dentist are carried out for optimal dental health.

How to help a child who is anxious about the dentist - Part 1

Do you dread taking your child to the dentist? 

Are you worried about how your child will behave? 

Do you put off visiting the dentist until your child has toothache?

Maybe you are anxious yourself and don't know how to help you child overcome their fears?

In this two part blog we will look at ways in which you can make visiting the dentist less stressful, and maybe even enjoyable for you and your child.

Children are not born with a fear of going to the dentist. A small child visiting the dentist for the first time will not know what to expect, apart from what they have picked up from their parents and others around them. Therefore, it is important to try to give your child a positive view of dental health. Depending on your child's age, you can discuss or show them the importance of teeth and looking after them in an appropriate way. They can be encouraged to view the dentist as someone who helps them look after their teeth.

If you are anxious yourself, or have had a bad experience in that past, try not to talk about this in front of your child and advise other family members and friends to do the same. 


A recent study showed that parents' attitudes towards dentistry are often passed on to their children. Children are often listening in on our conversations with others, even while we think they are playing or doing something else. They even pick up on anxieties that we do not speak about by our expressions. If you have fear of the dentist you may find this 4 part blog (click for link) helpful for advice on overcoming your own anxiety.

Finding a child friendly dentist

Of course, it is important to find a dentist who is good with children. Not all dentists are good at, or enjoy, working with children. Find a practice where the dentist and their support staff relate well to your child and work to gain their trust so that your child can feel comfortable with them. The environment is also important in putting your child at ease and the decor should be fun. The waiting area should have toys, books or some form of entertainment to make waiting easier. 

Ask around for recommendations from friends and family or look at reviews from other parents. You can ask dental practices about their experience and expertise in treating children. Pediatric Dentists (or Pedodontists) are specialists in children's dentistry and usually have 3 years further training in Pediatric Dentistry after dental school. If you are in Bangalore, Small Bites in Indiranagar provides exclusive dental care for children. Here, we believe that every child deserves a good start in life with the best preventive dental care.

How can I help my child at home before a visit?

• Try to schedule the appointment at the best time for your child. Small children especially do not do so well if they are tired and hungry. 
• If you or your child are anxious, try to choose a time when the dentist is less busy to minimise waiting and so that there will be more time to discuss any issues and concerns. Even if this means that you have to take time off work it may be worth it for a first visit.
• Be positive. If your child is anxious, listen and show them you understand their concerns but express confidence that they will be okay. 
• Do not use words or scare stories that may upset your child. Even if you say "it's not going to hurt" the main word that your child will hear is "hurt", even though this may not have been in their mind before. 
  
• For young children, you could "play dentist" at home. You and your child can take it in turns to "be the dentist" and check each others teeth. Also try using your child's favourite soft toy or a puppet and "check their teeth." You can buy small plastic mouth mirrors for this, or just use your toothbrush. 
• If your child has a sibling, cousin or friend who is good with the dentist it may be helpful to visit the dentist with them first.
• There are many good children's books and videos available which can help children to understand about going to the dentist.
• If your child has had a difficult time at the dentist in the past, ask them about their concerns. Discuss these with your dentist to find ways to help your child before the next appointment.
• If one parent is particularly anxious, it may be better for the other parent, or another close relative, to bring the child for their appointments.

Ideally, a child's first experience at the dentist should not be for treatment. If at all possible, try to take your child just to see the dental practice and meet the dentist, or at most have a quick check-up, before they have any problems. This will help them to feel comfortable with the environment. 

At Small Bites we also have children's activities (advertised on our Facebook page - click for link) held in the clinic. This is a chance for children to get used to the environment and have fun on a separate day from any appointments. 

If your child, already has pain or problems before they have visited the dentist, don't worry. A good dentist will aim to alleviate the pain at a first visit but do further treatment as your child increases in confidence and cooperation.

Regular visits for check-ups will help your child. It is much better if they do not need treatment every time they have an appointment.

In the second part we will discuss ways that you and your dentist can help your child during their visit and some tips for preventing dental problems.

Questions about Local Anaesthetic

Your dentist has told you that your child needs a local anaesthetic at their next visit. You may be worried and have questions. We will discuss many of the common questions in this blog post:

What is local anaesthetic?

Local anaesthetic is a type of medicine given as an injection to temporarily numb a specific area of the mouth. 

How does it work?

Local anaesthesia blocks pain by stopping pain signals being carried by nerves to the brain. This causes a complete loss of pain sensation to a specific area, without affecting the rest of the body. Pressure sensations may still be felt.

Why is local anaesthetic (LA) used in dentistry?

Although shallow fillings can often be completed without LA, it is required for deeper cavities, treatment involving the nerve of the tooth and tooth extractions, among other procedures. Local anaesthetic makes painless procedures possible and therefore makes treatment easier and more comfortable.

What is the difference between local and general anaesthetia or sedation?

General anaesthesia (GA) is used when a patients needs to be asleep for an operation or procedure - this can only be done by a trained anaesthetist in a fully equipped hospital. 

In conscious sedation, a sedative is given either by mouth (tablet or liquid), injection, or inhalation (gas and air). The patient remains awake and responsive but is more relaxed and less anxious. Local anaesthetic is often used in addition to sedation or GA.

Local anaesthetic does not affect consciousness. Only the specific area of the body being numbed is affected.

Is Local Anaestheic safe?

Local anaesthetics are used routinely every day for dental treatment all over the world, with relatively few problems. 

As with all medication, care and attention must be taken to ensure local anaesthetic is used safely. Good dentists will use safe techniques carefully and inject slowly. To ensure a safe dose a child's size and weight need to be taken into account, as the maximum safe dose is lower for children than for adults.

Allergies to commonly used dental local anaesthetics are extremely rare. Allergies to preservatives used in LA have been known, although they are not common.

Epinephrine (adrenaline) is commonly added to local anaesthetics as it increases the duration of the numbing effect and also reduces bleeding. For patients with significant heart or thyroid problems LA without epinephrine may be used.

From what age can children be given LA?

Very young children are sometimes unable to cooperate for treatment with local anaesthetic. This is because they do not understand the numb feeling or the reason for it. With reassurance and explanation appropriate to the child's age, some children as young 3 years old can accept treatment with local anaesthetic. For young children who unable to cooperate, temporary treatment may be done to make the child comfortable until they are able to accept further treatment. If there is severe infection treatment under general anaesthetic may be required.

What if I or my child are worried about the injection?

Anxiety about injections is common and understandable. Finding a good dentist who is understanding and sympathetic will go a long way in reducing anxiety.  Relaxation or distraction techniques can be used. For very anxious patients, conscious sedation with inhaled nitrous oxide and oxygen may be an option. Talk to your dentist about your anxieties but try not to convey your worries to your child. In our experience at Small Bites we have found that the children are often are less anxious than their parents!

How can the dentist make it easier for my child?

Local anaesthetic should ideally be used when a child is cooperative and has accepted other treatment well.

Explanation and reassurance are very important. For a young child the dentist may say that they are going to give some special medicine or "sleepy juice" to make the tooth go to sleep for a while, so that they don't feel any pain while the tooth is fixed. Older children with more understanding may be told that this involves an injection.

A numbing gel placed on the gum for a couple of minutes before the injection often works very well, so that the injection is hardly felt. At Small Bites we also use a very fine needle which minimizes pain or discomfort during injection. 

It is necessary to wait 5 or 10 minutes to give the local anaesthetic time to work before starting treatment.

How long does the numb feeling last for?

This will depend on the technique used but usually between 1 and 3 hours. It should be explained to the child that their lip/cheek (and sometimes also tongue) will feel strange. The affected area will feel swollen/bigger but not look any different.

What precautions should I take after my child has had local anaesthetic?

Tell you child that the numb feeling will take some time to wear off. Care should be taken that they do not bite their lip or tongue during this time. Hot food and drink and any food that they need to chew should also be avoided until the feeling has returned.

If you have any other questions you can either talk to your dentist or leave a comment below.

Protecting our children from abuse - Part 3

In the first post in this series we discussed the importance of good communication with our children for giving safety guidelines and listening to their concerns. In the second, we looked at signs of potential abuse and what to do if you know, or suspect a child is being abused.

In this post we will discuss safety guidelines for various situations.

Staying safe while out and about

Starting to go outside without adult supervision is an important part of growing up and gaining independence. You will need to decide how and when to start giving your child more freedom based on their age and maturity. 

Children need challenges and responsibilities, but they also need adults to support, guide and step in when needed. Children under eight years old should not be left to play out of sight or near busy roads.


Talk with your child about the following:

• That they must always tell you where they are going, what they are doing and who they are with.
• Warn them never to go into dangerous areas such as construction sites.
• Discuss what to do and who to contact in an emergency.
• Talk about bullying and what they should do if they are being bullied.
• Not to talk to adults they don't know and never to go off with an adult - even if they know them - without telling you first.
• If someone makes them feel uncomfortable, worried or scared to talk to someone in authority eg. police, park keeper, watchman. (If there is no one available speak to an adult with a child, if possible).
• Come home as quickly and safely as possible or, if you are out, go to a friend or neighbour's house whenever they feel worried or scared.

Schools, daycare, clubs and activities

When our children are at daycare, school or other organised activities we want to make sure that they are safe and well looked after. 

• Get recommendations from friends and family on the best school or club for your child.
• Make sure that the facilities are clean and safe and staff are caring and well trained.
• Ask about the school or club's policies on child protection and health and safety. 
• Always discuss with your child what they have been doing each day and allow them to share any problems or concerns.
• Maintain good communication with the teacher or organizer. This will enable you to discuss your child's progress and development, as well as any concerns or problems.

Leaving your child home alone

Before deciding whether it is safe to leave your child, or children, home alone consider these important factors:

• The age and maturity of the child.
• The place where the child will be left.
• How long and how often the child will be left alone.
• Whether there are any other children present and their ages.

Babies and young children should not be left alone, even for short periods of time. If possible, find a trusted adult who can look after your child while you are away.

If you do leave an older child alone make sure they are happy and confident about the arrangements. A child under 16 years old should never be left overnight.

Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Talk to your child about keeping safe at home and point out potential dangers.
• Put obvious dangers (eg. medicines, matches) out of child's reach.
• Leave a contact phone number and be available to answer it immediately.
• Give numbers of other trusted people they can contact if needed.
• Give clear instructions about what to do in an emergency and phone numbers for emergency services.
• Tell them not to answer the door to strangers.
• If they answer the phone, tell them to say mum and dad are busy (not out) and take the person's name and number.
• Tell your child when you will be back and make sure you are back on time.
• Talk with your child after you return home to discuss and problems or uncertainties.

On-line Safety

As computer, mobile and internet technology has progressed at a rapid pace over the last decade, our children often know more than we do. They may go on-line to connect with friends, make new ones, to browse the internet for information, chat with others and play games. The internet can be a very useful source of information. However, most children and many parents are unaware of potential dangers of being online.

The risks and dangers of being online:

• Exposure to pornography, violent games and videos and other inappropriate content
• Ignoring Age restrictions
• Cyber bullying
• Friending or communicating with people they don't know
• Sharing personal information
• Grooming and sexual abuse
• Addiction to computer games
• Gambling or running up debts

Guidelines for using the internet safely:

• Discuss with your child about the benefits and dangers of using the internet.
• Set rules and agree boundaries - this will depend upon your child's age and what you feel is appropriate.
• Explain that internet access is a privilege which can be taken away (by confiscating computers, smartphone etc.) if the rules are broken. 
• Know which websites your child is using and who they are talking to online.
• Explain that they should not share personal information online, and never accept friend request from someone they do not know.
• Limit the time your children can spend online and the material or websites they can access. 
• It is best to have the computer in a family area, so that you can monitor usage. If children and teenagers have an internet connect computer in their bedroom, or a smart phone they can go online anytime day or night, unsupervised.
• Use parental and privacy controls. These can be activated from the control panel of the computer or other device, on certain websites, or from a software package (some are free). Click here for more information on parental controls.
• No tool is 100% effective and these should not replace conversations with your child.
• Encourage your child to talk to you if they are concerned about anything they have seen, or communication they have received, on the internet.

Are Baby Teeth Important?

Are baby teeth Important? What if your child gets cavities in their baby teeth? Is it really necessary to get them treated if they are not having any toothache? Surely the baby teeth will fall out after a while anyway?

Though you lose them early in life, your primary teeth, also called baby teeth or milk teeth, are essential in the development and placement of your permanent teeth. They also help in speech development. The permanent teeth develop close to the roots of the primary teeth. 

Untreated infection in baby teeth can affect the normal development of the permanent tooth. Primary teeth also maintain the spaces where permanent teeth will erupt. If baby teeth are lost too early other teeth may tilt into or take up the vacant space, forcing permanent teeth to come in crooked. 

Although baby teeth start to fall out around 6 years old, some will remain until 12 years or even later. By taking your child for regular check-ups any problems with the baby teeth can be seen early and treated or prevented from progressing. This way more complex treatment, which may be more expensive and require more cooperation from the child, can be avoided. If your child is taught to look after their baby teeth, they are much less likely to have problems once their permanent teeth come through. 

Which foods cause tooth decay?

Your child's diet is one of the most important factors in developing dental decay and small changes can make a big difference. 

In the previous blog post we looked at how foods containing sugar combine with bacteria in plaque to produce acid. If the teeth are subjected to frequent or long periods of acid attack, decay becomes likely to occur.

Most people are aware that children who eat too many sweets and candies are likely to get cavities. However, any foods that are are high in refined carbohydrates (starch), such as crackers and chips, can cause decay if the foods remain stuck to the teeth for long periods of time, as the starch breaks down into sugar. In fact, one good way to determine if a snack is good for a child is to check their teeth 20 minutes after consumption. If the teeth are still filled with food, the risk for dental decay will be higher. These foods should be eaten only rarely and teeth should be brushed afterwards.

There are a lot of "hidden sugars" in processed food. If you read the ingredients, they may be labelled as sucrose, glucose, lactose, or fructose - these are all types of sugar. In addition to containing high levels of sugar, many children's breakfast cereals also stick onto the teeth. Even diet soda drinks and concentrated fruit juices can cause decay as they are acidic.

It is not realistic to ban your child from eating sweets. altogether. Instead, limit consumption of sweets and candy to maximum of once a day, preferably at the end of a meal. Those treats that dissolve and clear from the mouth quickly eg. a milk chocolate bar, are better than hard candies, lollipops or sticky caramels. Sweets should be eaten in one go, rather than continually snacking on them.

Children do get hungry and need to snack. Choose healthy snacks such as fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, cheese. For drinks in between meals go for water or milk without added sugar.

What causes dental cavities?

When you consume any food or drink containing carbohydrate, or sugar, the bacteria in the plaque on your teeth metabolise it, producing an acid attack which lasts for at least 20 minutes. The acid dissolves the outer surface layer of the teeth (enamel).

The acid attack will be much longer if the food remains stuck onto the teeth, or if snacking continues over a period of time, eg. eating a bag of sweets one by one, or continuously licking a lollipop. Also, If babies or toddlers fall asleep with a bottle, or whilst nursing, the milk will remain on their teeth for a longer period of time.

If food and drinks containing sugar are limited to mealtimes, with sugar free snacks and drinks in between, the teeth can recover from these short periods of acid attacks. In the early stages of decay (before a cavity is formed), the enamel can repair itself by taking in minerals from saliva. Fluoride also helps to strengthen the enamel in this process.

However, with frequent snacks and drinks containing sugar, cavities become much more likely to occur.

Once the enamel layer crumbles, a cavity is formed, bacteria enter and the decay process spreads rapidly.

To prevent dental decay, the aim should be to reduce the amount of time that any food containing sugar is present in the mouth. Drinking water or rinsing after eating can help. Try to make snacks and drinks, between meals, sugar free as far as possible. 

 

Regular, thorough brushing to remove plaque build-up from the teeth will also help but, as it is not possible to prevent plaque from building up again after brushing, diet is of extreme importance in preventing cavities.