July 21, 2022

Cavities: Are they a given?

How to avoid cavities is a major question that parents of young children could have for their children’s dentist. Children can develop cavities much as adults. Children are vulnerable to dental decay starting at the age of 1, when their first baby teeth erupt. At the Center for Pediatric Dental Health, we want to do all in our power to give parents the tools they need to support their kids in keeping their smiles healthy and attractive. This page is devoted to educating readers about children’s cavities and how to avoid them as a result.

A cavity is what?

Let’s begin with the fundamentals. A cavity is what? Simply explained, a cavity is a place on a tooth where decay has taken place as a result of plaque accumulation. The protective enamel on a tooth is eaten away by bacteria until a hole is formed. One of the most prevalent dental conditions in kids and toddlers is tooth decay. Diet, heredity, and poor oral hygiene can all play a role in a child’s tooth decay.

The notion that tooth decay in baby teeth is not harmful since they will soon be replaced by an adult, permanent teeth is untrue. Baby teeth are necessary for children to properly chew, eat, and speak. Baby teeth that have tooth decay may experience discomfort and other problems with these essential everyday activities if the decay is not corrected. Furthermore, a baby tooth that is lost too soon due to decay may hinder the development of the permanent tooth that will take its place.

What symptoms might your child have a cavity?

Unfortunately, not all cavities are simple for parents to spot. It is crucial to schedule regular visits with your pediatric dentist, ideally once every six months, for this reason. Pediatric dentists like Drs. Emily and Kristianne are specially educated to spot and treat tooth decay in kids before it worsens into a more serious problem.

There are a few symptoms that your child may have dental decay, even though it may be challenging to spot a cavity on their teeth. Make an appointment with your pediatric dentist as soon as you can if your child exhibits any of these signs:

excessive crying or fussiness exceptionally black or white marks on the teeth

dietary avoidance and apparent sensitivity to cold meals or beverages

general lassitude

How can youngsters avoid getting cavities?

Fortunately, the majority of serious tooth decay instances in youngsters can be avoided. Your child’s smile may stay healthy and radiant with proper oral care, a balanced diet, and routine dental checkups. Children should use fluoridated toothpaste and a toothbrush to brush their teeth at least twice a day. Many kids won’t be able to properly clean their teeth without assistance until they are at least six years old. For thorough cleaning, two minutes of brushing is recommended.

Children should floss at least once a day in addition to brushing twice a day. This prevents food particles from getting stuck between teeth, which may cause cavities.

Children should practice daily dental hygiene in addition to eating a diet that is wholesome and well-balanced. Plaque accumulation on teeth can be avoided by avoiding extremely sweet and starchy foods. Extremely high-sugar foods, including fruit juice, soda, candy, and cookies, can harm teeth if consumed in an unhealthy amount.

In addition to receiving the many healthy vitamins and minerals from a range of fruits and vegetables, your child will also benefit from the high water content of these meals, which acts as a pre-cleaner for teeth. Always remember to wash your child’s teeth after meals, especially ones that can be particularly high in sugar or starch.

Pediatric dental care provided with compassion

We are parents here at Stevensons Dental Ark and The Dental Ark. We are aware that you would stop at nothing to ensure the healthiest possible life for your kids. That is why we are so committed to giving kids a healthy smile they can keep forever.

We aim to provide you, as parents, with the resources and knowledge you need to prepare your child for success in oral health. If your child has already developed tooth decay, we will collaborate with you to fix the affected area and stop further harm.