{"id":1245,"date":"2022-09-30T10:30:14","date_gmt":"2022-09-30T10:30:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dental.ashishrathi.com\/?page_id=1245"},"modified":"2023-02-15T11:15:14","modified_gmt":"2023-02-15T11:15:14","slug":"how-to-prevent-cavities","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thedentalroom.com\/how-to-prevent-cavities\/","title":{"rendered":"HOW TO PREVENT CAVITIES"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
Children all over the world suffer from childhood cavities, also known as childhood tooth decay and childhood caries.\u00a0 The two main causes of cavities are poor dental hygiene and sugary diets.<\/span><\/p> A cavity can be extremely painful, and if left untreated, may result in tooth decay and childhood periodontitis.\u00a0 To prevent cavities and maintain good oral health, make sure your kid eats a balanced diet, follows a good oral care routine at home, and sees the pediatric dentist biannually.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t Sugary foods are regularly consumed by children, resulting in the formation of cavities on their teeth.\u00a0 After eating, sugars and carbohydrates (such as those found in white bread) accumulate on and around the teeth.\u00a0 As a result, a sticky film (plaque) forms on the enamel of the teeth.\u00a0 Plaque contains oral bacteria that continuously consume sugar particles and produce acid.\u00a0 Initially, the acid attacks the enamel of the teeth, weakening them and making them susceptible to decay.\u00a0 In the event that the condition is allowed to deteriorate, the acid begins to penetrate the enamel of the tooth and erode the inner structure of the tooth.<\/span><\/p> In spite of the fact that primary (baby) teeth are eventually lost, they perform a number of important functions and should be protected.\u00a0 Ideally, children should brush and floss twice a day, and visit the dentist biannually for cleanings.\u00a0 Pediatric dentists sometimes coat teeth with sealants and give fluoride supplements to boost tooth enamel.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t There is a difference between having a large cavity that is excruciatingly painful and having a tiny cavity that is not felt at all.\u00a0 Adding to the difficulty, cavities can sometimes form between the teeth, making them invisible to the naked eye.\u00a0 A dentist’s trained eye and dental X-rays help spot even the tiniest cavities so they can be treated before they worsen.<\/span><\/p> Cavities can cause the following symptoms:<\/span><\/p> A pediatric dentist should be consulted if a child experiences any of these symptoms.\u00a0 If this is not done, the problem will likely worsen, the child will experience pain, and the tooth may be irreparably damaged.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t Visiting the pediatric dentist biannually is only one part of the battle against cavities.\u00a0 To prevent cavities, follow these guidelines:<\/span><\/p> Please contact your pediatric dentist with any questions or concerns about cavity prevention.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t Our dentists pride themselves on putting your needs first and offering FREE PARKING<\/strong> \u2014 a rarity for downtown dentists. We care and we listen. Our dentists have years of experience and are here to serve your needs at every appointment. If you have a question about your smile or need a second opinion, we\u2019re here to help.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tHow are cavities caused?<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
If my child has a cavity, how will I know?<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
What can I do at home to prevent cavities?<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
<\/span> Cavities can be accelerated by eating too many sugary or starchy snacks.\u00a0 Sugary snacks like candy should be replaced with natural foods, and soda should be replaced with water.<\/span><\/li>
<\/b> Too frequent snacking can expose teeth to sugar unnecessarily.\u00a0 Sugar and starch should be saved for mealtimes, when the child produces more saliva, and for drinking water.\u00a0 Make sure they drink enough water to keep their teeth clean.<\/span><\/li>
<\/span> Sippy cups have been linked to “baby bottle tooth decay” when they are used beyond the intended age range (approximately twelve months).\u00a0 With each sip, a small amount of liquid is released, causing sugary liquid to continually flow around the teeth.<\/span><\/li>
<\/span> Plaque forms quickly on sticky foods (like toffee), and is extremely difficult to remove.\u00a0 Try to avoid them as much as possible.<\/span><\/li>
<\/span> It is possible to transmit oral bacteria from a mother or father to a child.\u00a0 Avoid contaminating the baby’s mouth by rinsing a dirty pacifier with running water rather than sucking on it.<\/span><\/li>
<\/b> Putting a child to bed with a bottle or sippy cup is not a good idea.\u00a0 Basically, milk, formula, juice, or sweetened water sits on teeth all night, attacking enamel and resulting in cavities.\u00a0 Make sure the child has a last drink before going to bed, and then brush their teeth.<\/span><\/li>
<\/span> It is not uncommon for parents to dip pacifiers in honey in order to calm a cranky child.\u00a0 Please do not succumb to this temptation.\u00a0 A blanket, a toy, or a hug can be used to calm the child instead.<\/span><\/li>
<\/span> It is recommended that parents brush and floss their child’s teeth twice a day until the child reaches the age of seven years old.\u00a0 It was difficult for children to effectively brush their teeth before this time.<\/span><\/li>
<\/span>The right use of fluoride can strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.\u00a0 Fluoride can damage teeth when it is administered in excess or insufficient amounts, so you should have your pediatric dentist assess the fluoride level in your mouth.<\/span><\/li>
<\/span> According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), a child’s first dental visit should be scheduled around his or her first birthday.\u00a0 Maintain a regular appointment schedule to maintain a healthy smile.<\/span><\/li><\/ol>Schedule a Consultation<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t