How Can Parents Prevent Tooth Decay In a Child?

Dental caries, also known as cavities or tooth decay, are a common oral issue among younger patients. However, regular oral care can help reduce the chance of this issue in people throughout all stages of life. Reserving dental check-ups with a children's dental practitioner is an essential step in treating common concerns, like dental decay and cavity prevention, and is pivotal to ensuring your family's teeth remain bright and healthy.

At Made Ya Smile Kingwood, TX, we provide the resources and tips needed to help your child experience white and healthy teeth for life. Our Kingwood, TX dental team members are also happy to present the following information about dental decay and methods to minimize the risk of this oral health problem in your kids. There’s no better time than now to help them develop proper oral hygiene practices.

WHAT LEADS TO A CAVITY?
A dental cavity is an opening in the tooth structure that can emerge as part the dental enamel erodes away. Areas of decay may develop when oral microbes, plaque, and food particles are left behind following a snack or meal, particularly after consuming starches and sugars in products, such as milk products, sodas, candy, cookies, juices, and bread and cake. When the acid produced by these germs accumulates on the tooth structure, it can soften the enamel and cause decay to form. In the absence of prompt care, dental cavities may get larger and deeper, and might, at some point, cause discomfort or pain. This is one reason it's essential to get tooth decay treated as soon as possible by the caring dentists at Made Ya Smile Kingwood, TX.

STEPS TO INHIBIT DENTAL CARIES IN KIDS
Oral care efforts should start prior to when your son's or daughter's very first baby tooth even erupts. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that young patients take their first trip to the dentist before turning a year old. Throughout each of your little one's dental exams, our Kingwood, TX dental professionals will explain the ideal approaches to flossing and brushing their teeth and screen for any potential issues. Our team will also discuss any concerns you may have involving the prevention of dental caries and discuss tips on helping to keep your child's smile in good health. However, it's important to know that some of the ideal ways to prevent cavities in younger individuals begin at home every day.

1. Showing young ones how to brush their teeth every morning and night using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and to use dental floss at least once a day, is essential. Parents will need to assist in this process until their children are able to manage this process without help.
2. Fluoride helps protect teeth and makes it more difficult for acids from bacteria to penetrate. Though a number communities may have fluoridated tap water, it's important to still have your child use fluoridated toothpaste on a routine basis or ask our dental professionals if supplemental fluoride sources might be helpful.
3. Avoid or reduce the consumption of beverages and foods that can lead to dental caries and erode the enamel, such as sugar-based snacks, sticky and hard candy, and soda, sports, and juice drinks. If they do happen to have these products, your children should rinse or brush their mouths immediately.
4. Making appointments for regular cleaning and examination visits as suggested by our team at Made Ya Smile Kingwood, TX allows us to identify decay and additional dental concerns as soon as possible and help preserve your son's or daughter's dental health.

WHAT CAN I DO WHEN MY KID HAS DENTAL DECAY?
It's very important to reach out to our dental office if your daughter or son reports oral pain or sensitivity, both of which can be general signs of dental cavities in kids that may require further attention. In many cases, an individual has no idea they have a cavity until it is discovered by a dentist. After tooth decay is diagnosed, one of our dentists will thoroughly assess the area and might take an x-ray for a closer look. Our team may then be able to address the cavity by removing the damaged part of the enamel and then replacing it with a special material called a filling.

CARING DENTISTRY FOR KIDS
Whether your child already has most of their teeth or simply one or two have emerged, it is essential to plan dental checkups and cleanings on a routine basis. At Made Ya Smile Kingwood, TX, we are happy to provide personalized dental care for you and your loved ones in a compassionate and fun atmosphere. Please contact our Kingwood, TX dental facility to book a dental exam for your child. We are committed to helping you and your children enjoy happy and healthy teeth and gums for life!