From poor oral health habits to an overconsumption of sugar, there are a number of reasons kids could develop cavities. Unless treated, tooth decay could mean premature tooth loss and dental misalignment, as well as painful symptoms. In today’s blog, your Celina, TX, dentist talks about the steps we take to prevent the onset of tooth decay in little smiles.
The Causes of Tooth Decay in Little Smiles
Children develop cavities when their teeth become coated in plaque and tartar buildup, which weakens the enamel and exposes the sensitive inner dentin to bacteria. A cavity then forms, which will grow in size and severity unless treated in a timely manner. When children eat lots of sugary foods and drinks, or fall sleep with a bottle or sippy cup of juice or milk, this leaves behind particles of sugar on and between the teeth for bacteria to break down, allowing plaque buildup to worsen.
Cleanings and Better Home Habits
To help keep an eye on smiles, we suggest a routine checkup for kids of all ages, so we can watch for the earliest signs of decay and take steps before your child experiences pain. We also clean the teeth, a process that removes all plaque and tartar from the teeth to prevent demineralization. At home, brushing and flossing help limit how much plaque can form in between these cleanings. As soon as a tooth erupts, it needs to be cleaned and as your children grow, they will need to brush in the morning and again at night for two minutes using a rice-sized blot of fluoride toothpaste. You may need to do this for your babies and toddlers, but your older kids can care for their smiles under supervision to ensure their doing so properly.
Dental Sealants
To help prevent cavities, we may suggest a dental sealant. For many kids, reaching the rear teeth when brushing and flossing is hard, so food particles could remain trapped between them, left for bacteria to break down. A sealant is an acrylic coating that covers these teeth so nothing can become stuck between them. The sealant lasts for between 5 and 10 years on average and wears away gradually with time.
Fluoride Treatments
During each checkup and cleaning visit, we could also administer fluoride in a varnish form to help strengthen the teeth too. If you have any questions about children’s dentistry and cavity prevention, then contact our team today!
Talk To Your Celina, TX Dentist’s Office About Children’s Dentistry
Our team wants to help little smiles avoid the onset of issues like tooth decay or dental infection. To find out more about our approach to children’s dental care, then contact your Celina, TX, dentist, Dr. Newton, by calling (214) 851-0130.
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