We are excited to announce that our office is now open with a limited schedule for all treatments and procedures, and that we’re taking additional special measures to ensure the health and safety of our patients and team members.
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We are excited to announce that our office is now open with a limited schedule for all treatments and procedures, and that we’re taking additional special measures to ensure the health and safety of our patients and team members.
read moreIs your child struggling with frequent cavities? There are a lot of potential explanations for it.
Check out this short article to understand what actually causes cavities in children and what you can do to ensure the little one has a healthy and happy smile.
Cavities are tiny holes that form in the teeth. The mouth is full of harmful bacteria that eat the food particles that linger in the child’s mouth. When they feed, bacteria release acids that slowly break down the tooth tissue, forming a hole that gets bigger over time.
Cavities occur gradually, but unfortunately, they are irreversible. Once that hole forms, the only way to treat it is to see a pediatric dentist, who will remove the decayed tissue and apply a dental filling to restore the tooth.
Cavities in children are most commonly caused by:
It’s important to stay on top of the child’s oral health needs early. You should be brushing their teeth as soon as that first baby tooth emerges.
Bacteria tend to cluster on the surface of the teeth, forming a film called plaque. This gives bacteria direct access to the tooth, allowing them to eventually form the cavity. Moreover, plaque can harden over time and become tartar, which tends to deposit near the gum area, leading to additional oral health issues such as gum disease.
To prevent this, parents should brush their child’s teeth every day, and teach them how to properly do it themselves when they’re old enough.
Diets that are high in sugars, sweet drinks, or that involve frequent snacking increase the risks of cavities in children.
To prevent this, it’s best to include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in the child’s diet, which will help promote saliva production and flush out unwanted bacteria. Brushing after meals and snacks, or even just cleansing the mouth with tap water, can also be effective.
Unfortunately, even with the right diet and good oral hygiene habits, avoiding cavities is difficult. Children can have a difficult time properly brushing their teeth, even under supervision. Not to mention, many areas are hard to reach with a toothbrush.
To address this, it’s best to take the child to a pediatric dentist every 6 months or so for a routine appointment and professional cleaning. The dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and significantly reduce the risk of cavities.
Is your child dealing with a cavity? The team of pediatric dentists at Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is here to help.
Schedule a consultation at our practice online and bring the little one in to get their oral health restored.
For more information, call us at (267) 392-5878 for a chat.
