According to a Nextsmiledental.com survey of 4,500 patients in 2021, 69% of Idahoans delayed dental checkups last year. Data from the same survey indicate that Idaho is among the worst states — ranking eighth highest – for increase in “cola cavities,” or tooth decay specifically from regularly drinking sugary drinks.

Soft drinks such as sodas and energy drinks typically contain up to 12 teaspoons of sugar per container. They also have citric acid, which erodes tooth enamel and encourages more cavities and infections.

Focusing on kids, according to the American Dental Association 1 in 5 (20%) children aged 5 to 11, and 1 in 7 adolescents, have at least one untreated decayed tooth. Children aged 5 to 19 in lower-income families are twice as likely to have cavities, compared with those from higher-income households.

February is Children’s Dental Health Month.

Tooth decay is among the most common, chronic childhood diseases. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infection leading to problems with eating, speaking, playing and learning. Children with poor oral health miss more school and have lower grades than children who don’t, according to the CDC and ADA.

Tips to improve dental health in children (and adults) include:

Fluoride. Fluoridated tap water and varnish, along with daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, can prevent about one third of cavities from infancy through adulthood.

Floss, floss, and more floss. Daily flossing is a simple, but oft-neglected way to prevent cavities and gum problems. I’ve known two people who rarely flossed and had to get all their teeth pulled out, in their 50s and 60s.

Eat and drink healthy. Replace soda with water for optimal hydration, reduced mouth acidity, and dental health. Keep acidic foods to a minimum if you have sensitive teeth. If you must drink sugary drinks, don’t sip over hours; that maximizes sugar on the teeth.

Wait before brushing your teeth. Don’t leave it past an hour, but some experts suggest brushing immediately after drinking soda may cause more damage, as the enamel is vulnerable shortly after exposure to acids. And remember,

“Don’t rush when you brush.”

For babies, wipe. Wipe baby gums twice a day with a soft, clean, damp cloth wrapped around your washed finger after the first feeding and right before bed to wipe away bacteria and sugars that can cause cavities. Be sure to use a cloth or dental wipe which doesn’t leave fuzz behind.

And brush, gently. When the first teeth come in, dentists say to start brushing twice a day with a soft, small‑bristled toothbrush and plain water (not toothpaste, yet). Talk to your dentist about fluoride before toddlerhood.

Watch them brush. For toddlers and young children, watch them brush. Make sure they use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, cover each tooth top, behind and in front, and always spit it out rather than swallow.

Pregnant moms, be vigilant. Good dental health is important for pregnant women more prone to gum disease and cavities, which can affect baby’s health. Beyond a pregnancy dental checkup and daily brushing and flossing, try this for nausea: Rinse with one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water after getting sick to help clear the mouth of stomach acid (then spit, not swallow).

Dental sealants can also prevent 80% of cavities, according to the ADA.

Family history of cavities, a high-sugar food or drink diet, special health needs and acid reflux can be risk factors for dental problems meriting a talk with the dentist and doctor for more precautions.

“No one can take our smiles away when dental decay is kept miles away.” – Dr. Ninad Moon

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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Email sholeh@cdapress.com.