Having a dental check twice a year can protect your child’s teeth against tooth decay. Our gentle and caring approach to kids’ dentistry can prevent cavities and help your child develop good dental habits. In this post, we will look at the causes, treatment, and prevention of cavities in kids’ teeth.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay occurs when plaque accumulates on a tooth and erodes its surface. Plaque is a sticky biofilm containing bacteria, saliva, and food acids. Too much sugar and inadequate brushing and flossing are among the leading causes of cavities in kids’ teeth. Children’s teeth are just as susceptible to decay as adults’ and need to be monitored to prevent cavities.
Signs Of Dental Decay
Tooth decay develops in stages, which generally follow this sequence:
- White spots – You might notice white spots appearing on the surface of your child’s teeth. This is a sign that the dental enamel is wearing away and the tooth is weakened.
- An early cavity is usually a light brown colour. As the cavity gets deeper, the spot will darken and may turn black.
- Sometimes dental decay is accompanied by pain and swelling, but not always.
Diagnosing Dental Decay
A dental check, which includes a visual examination and x-rays, is usually performed.
Treating Tooth Decay
Dental fillings are generally used for cavities in kids’ teeth. During a dental filling procedure, the decayed part of the tooth will be removed, and the affected area will be cleaned before the tooth is filled with filling material.
If the tooth decay is extensive, a dental crown may be required. It is generally better to prevent cavities than to treat them, as restored teeth are not as strong as healthy teeth.
How To Prevent Cavities?
Excellent dental hygiene and regular visits to a child-friendly dentist can help to prevent cavities from developing.
The importance of regular check-ups
Your child should have a dental check at least twice a year. During the dental check, your dentist will be able to spot the early signs of tooth decay.
How to teach good dental hygiene?
- Set a good example to prevent cavities. Speak to your child about brushing and flossing, and show him or her how you do it twice a day.
- Young children should be supervised when brushing their teeth. Each tooth needs to be brushed with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Teeth should be brushed as soon as they emerge from the gums. Younger babies who don’t have teeth yet need to have their gums wiped with a soft cloth to keep bacteria levels under control.
- Speak to a child-friendly dentist about helping your child to improve his or her brushing technique.
- After the age of 2, all children should floss their teeth. Younger children will need their parents to floss for them.
- Do not allow a young child to fall asleep with a bottle of juice or a sugary drink. Try to minimise the amount of sugar your child consumes.
Dental Excellence can help you avoid the development of cavities in kids’ teeth. Contact Dental Excellence today for an appointment with our child-friendly dentist at (02) 6188 7293.
References
Tooth Decay (Caries or Cavities) in Children
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/tooth-decay-caries-or-cavities-in-children
What to Do If Your Child Has a Cavity — and How to Prevent More
https://www.healthline.com/health/childrens-health/cavities-in-kids
