Helping Children Avoid Tooth Decay
When kids develop cavities, this could cause painful symptoms, infection, and for some, premature tooth loss and the onset of dental misalignment. Which is why when possible, we want to help kids avoid cavities with preventive care. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about helping kids avoid cavities.
Brushing and Flossing
One way to lower the risk of tooth decay is with daily brushing and flossing! Essentially, as soon as a child’s teeth arrive, they need to be cleaned twice a day. This can be down with a cloth or special brush that fits over your finger for babies, and age-appropriate toothbrushes for toddlers and older children. Each session should take two minutes, and kids under three should use a rice-sized bit of fluoride toothpastes, and kids over three a pea-sized bit. This helps remove trapped food particles. Which could otherwise feed harmful bacteria and cause plaque buildup. Plaque then weakens and erodes enamel with time.
Flossing every evening is critical too. This should begin as soon as there are teeth sitting next to one another. You can use a pick to help your younger children, and then monitor your older ones as they use floss tape. This removes what a toothbrush cannot reach!
Avoiding Too Much Sugar
When children eat foods high in sugar or starch, or consume drinks with a lot of sugar, this leaves behind particles that cling to the teeth. Bacteria will then consume them and create plaque buildup, which as we mentioned above, weakens enamel to allow tooth decay to form. Try to offer healthier snacks, such as fresh fruit and veggies, whole grain crackers and breads, cheeses, low-fat yogurt, or sugar-free gum. Encourage them to drink more water in lieu of sports drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and soda.
Dental Sealants
If your children have trouble reaching the rear molars when they brush and floss, this could allow food to stay trapped between these teeth, leading to cavities. But we could help with dental sealants, which are acrylic coatings we add on the rear teeth. These keep food from ever becoming trapped, and stay in place for between five and ten years on average.
Fluoride Treatments
We also apply fluoride in a gel form to the teeth after your child’s six-month dental cleaning. This application helps strengthen the outer enamel to reduce the risk of tooth decay, so your child can avoid toothaches and sensitivity. If you have any questions, then give us a call today!
Your Dallas, TX, Pediatric Dentist Helps Prevent Cavities
We would like to help kids maintain their healthiest possible smiles. If you would like to learn more about preventing the onset of cavities in little smiles, then contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Preventive Treatments