How Do I Know If I My Kid Has a Dental Cavity? Part One

Posted February 24, 2017

As a parent, you hate to see your kid in pain, particularly when it is preventable. Sadly, many kids will be diagnosed with dental cavities, which can create sensitivity, discomfort, and even painful tooth infections. In fact, cavities are the most common disease faced by kids in America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 40 percent of kids between the ages of two and 11 will been diagnosed with cavities in their “baby teeth,” and 20 percent of kids between 6 and 11-years-old will be diagnosed with cavities in permanent teeth. Decay can lead to lifelong struggles with poor dental health. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help better protect your children from dental cavities. That said, if your kid is diagnosed with tooth decay, there are ways to help restore his or her comfort, quickly, so you can both get back to smiling, soon.

Don’t Ignore Any Negative Changes

One way to help protect young smiles is by taking your kids for routine dental visits. Like adults, kids should be seeing the dentist at least twice a year for preventive care, like checkups and cleanings.

That said, some kids may be particularly prone to cavities, either due to poor hygiene, dietary factors, or even because of other health conditions or medications they must take. In some cases, your pediatric dentist might recommend more frequent cleanings, or even other measures be taken, like applying dental sealants, in order to better protect the teeth from acidic erosion.

If you notice negative changes in your child’s smile, it’s also important to schedule a dental visit. Prompt detection is one of the best ways to prevent worsening dental issues.

How Do I Know If I My Kid Has a Dental Cavity? Part Two

Forming healthy habits at-home can also help to protect young smiles, though. This includes forming daily hygiene routines that include both brushing and flossing, and drinking water throughout each day. Avoiding sugar can also be beneficial.

Is It Time to Schedule Your Kids’ Next Dental Appointment?

Kids need to see the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. To schedule a visit for your kids, contact Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda, at 214-321-4880.