September 1st, 2021

The Truth About Preventing Tooth Decay in Kids!

I have been contemplating addressing this subject matter for quite some time now.  Unfortunately, too many children have tooth decay early in their lives.  My goal is for your child to grow up looking like the picture below.
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​​I will explain to you why virtually everyone in the world has tooth decay at varying levels.  The Center for Disease Control has determined that tooth decay is America's number one chronic childhood disease.  Yes, it is #1.  There are many reasons that this is reality.
 
Tooth decay is a DISEASE caused by bacteria, which means that tooth decay is not a condition.   
 
Unbeknownst to many, tooth decay is a family disease, and three things will cause tooth decay in a person. 
 
1.)  Your chemistry of saliva is INHERITED.  If a person is born with ACID saliva,  they will be cavity prone.   If a person is born with ALKALINE  saliva, they will be inclined to getting gum or periodontal disease in their mouth as they get older.  You can look for this to occur after thirty years of age.  You have no choice in the chemistry of your mouth, but you can control it to some degree. 
 
2.)  The bacteria levels in your mouth are acquired in the environment.  Everyone has oral bacteria, some of which are beneficial and some are not.  Babies are born bacteria-free.  They get their bacteria from parents, caregivers, and siblings when they touch each other.  This transfer of bacteria occurs innocently and unknowingly because bacteria are invisible, and you live with each other.   
 
3.)  The amount of sugar a person eats determines the severity of tooth decay.   The more sugar consumed, the greater the level of tooth decay if the person has high acid saliva and high bacteria levels.  The amount of sugar given to the child is the parent's choice.   One should always limit sugar intake to moderate or low levels to have minimal tooth decay, have good general health, and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.  This highlighted sentence is crucial to understand.
These three factors are the primary cause of a person's increased risk for tooth decay.  I tell my patients that you cannot eliminate tooth decay,  but YOU can minimize it with a better diet and daily use of DrBranams Xylitol toothpaste and gels at home. 
 
Here are some bullet points that parents should be aware of:
 
✔      The youngest children in the family will usually have the most tooth decay because they get the most sugar and bacteria.
✔       I encourage all parents to have a minimum of one dental checkup and cleaning every year for themselves to minimize their insufficient bacteria levels, which can be transferred to their children
✔      Parents need to be aware of HIDDEN SUGARS.  There are significant amounts of natural sugar in the following; mother's milk, cow's milk, baby formula,  fruit juices, raisins, fruit snacks, fruit roll-ups, chewing gum, and chewable vitamins.  Be sure to read labels for sugar content and limit their daily intake.
✔      If you allow your child to go to bed with a bottle or sippy cup containing milk or fruit juice, you increase the risk of your loved one getting early tooth decay. 
✔      Mothers who breastfeed their infants or toddlers throughout the night in bed will also increase the risk of tooth decay.
 
 
Now that we have covered what NOT to do, here is a list of things you CAN do if you want to decrease the level of tooth decay in your entire family,
 
●     Use Dr. Branam's Xylitol toothpaste and gels; parents and children alike will have a tremendous benefit from using our clinically tested formulation.
●      Dr. Branams Xylitol products work best when they are left in the mouth.  Do not  spit out or rinse your mouths after using our fluoride-free formula.  This allows the formulation to go to work on the prevention for a more extended period.
●      Always brush your teeth before going to bed. 
●     You should schedule a visit to a PEDIATRIC DENTIST for the first visit at 12 to 15 months of age, regardless of what your pediatrician might say.  Unfortunately, only 50% of all physicians recommend a one year of age visit to a dentist.  You will be happier in the long run taking your child to a pediatric dentist.  Parents should have annual dental checkups and cleanings
 
Dr. Branam's Xylitol products were developed as I saw first-hand the increase in childhood tooth decay. Regular use of Dr. Branam's Xylitol products can reduce tooth decay by 72%. 
 
Dr. Branam's Xylitol products are clinically proven to be three times more effective than Fluoride.  The reason for this astonishing difference is 1) they raise the PH of the saliva to five,  2) they decrease tooth decay-causing bacteria by 72%, and 3) Xylitol is a SAFE sugar that lowers the risk of tooth decay yet meets your child's sugar cravings. 
 
When you brush your teeth with a Fluoride toothpaste alone, the bacteria level is TEMPORARILY reduced but does not change the PH of your saliva.
 
Fluoride in its natural form is very bitter.  Toothpaste containing Fluoride must be heavily flavored to cover up the bad taste, which often causes children not to want to brush their teeth.  Dr. Branam's Xylitol products are naturally sweetened, and children love the flavor when they brush their teeth.
 
In summary, good oral healthcare starts early. It is a family way of life. The daily use of Dr. Branam's Xylitol products will be the most effective way to reduce tooth decay in your entire family. 
 
You can visit Dr. Branam's Xylitol products site at  www.drbranamsxylitol.com, review the clinical study and learn how you can help reduce childhood tooth decay in your family. 
 
The following pictures are like what I see daily.  I have never met a parent that would intentionally want their child to experience an issue like this. 

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If you have a specific question that I can help with, please email me at [email protected]
 
Yours for better dental health,   
 
Dr. Steve Branam ​