FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2001
Contact: Jeannette Warnert
(559) 241-7514
jwarnert@uckac.edu

UC program in Merced addresses an epidemic of early childhood dental cavities - Tuesday, Feb. 27

A noted UC San Francisco dental researcher will be in Merced Feb. 27 to speak to physicians, dentists, physician assistants and nurse practitioners about an epidemic of early childhood dental cavities that puts medically underserved children at risk of serious dental disorders.

The program is designed to help local health professionals feel more comfortable examining children's mouths and be better prepared to educate parents about behaviors that can contribute to severe tooth decay in infants and young children.

"Many at-risk children do not see pediatric dentists regularly. It's important that the health providers they do have contact with know how to identify dental problems and have information to advise parents on prevention and treatment," said Dr. Martha Lopez, UC Cooperative Extension nutrition, family and consumer sciences advisor in Merced County.

Severe tooth decay, which affects more than one of seven preschool children and over half of elementary school students, is an infectious disease initiated by the bacteria Streptococcus mutans. Prolonged exposure of the teeth to sugary liquids like milk, formula or fruit juice causes the bacteria to multiply rapidly and demineralize protective tooth enamel, resulting in decay.

Francisco J. Ramos-Gomez, associate professor in the Department of Growth and
Development, Division of Pediatric Dentistry in the UCSF School of Dentistry, will address emerging research on bacteriology as it relates to tooth decay and discuss cultural behaviors and practices that may introduce Streptococcus mutans bacteria into a child's mouth. Alan Hoffman, a Merced pediatric dentist, will talk about prevention, early diagnosis and referral.

The program, offered at no cost to Merced area health professionals, will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mercy Hospital, Staff Rooms A & B, 2740 M Street in Merced. Dinner is included. Register by Wednesday, Feb. 21, by calling the Merced County Department of Public Health at (209) 381-1121 or FAX registration information to (209) 381-1102.

The program is sponsored by Mercy Hospital and Health Services, University of
California Cooperative Extension, Yosemite Dental Society, Merced-Mariposa Medical Society, Merced County Department of Public Health and the California Program on Access to Care.
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A Pdf version of a four-page policy brief from the UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families and Communities titled "Early Childhood Dental Caries," with background information on the subject of the Merced program, is available at http://danr.ucop.edu/news/Jan-June2001/caries.pdf.