How To Reduce the Risk of Tooth Decay For Children

Tooth decay, also known as a cavity or caries, is a common oral concern among kids. However, routine oral care can help lessen the incidence of this issue in people as they go through life. Scheduling dental exams with a family dental provider is a vital step in addressing dental problems, such as tooth decay and the prevention of cavities, and is pivotal to ensuring your family's smiles stay healthy and vibrant.

At Made Ya Smile Rayford, TX, we provide the resources and tips needed to help your kids enjoy healthy and bright teeth for life. Our Spring, TX dentists are also excited to present the following information surrounding dental decay and methods to minimize the risk of dental cavities in young patients. When it comes to your child's smile, now is the best time to help them develop proper oral hygiene practices.

DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE A DENTAL CAVITY?
A dental cavity is a concavity in the tooth structure that can occur as a portion of the outer layer becomes eroded. Areas of decay often result when bacteria, plaque, and fragments of food are left behind following a meal or snack, especially after consuming carbohydrates in products, such as dairy, sodas, candy, cookies, juices, and bread products. If the acid produced by these microbes attacks the tooth structure, it can soften the enamel and cause tooth decay. Without prompt treatment, a cavity may become deeper and larger, and might, over time, lead to pain or discomfort. For this reason, it's critical to have a cavity treated as soon as possible by the caring dentists at Made Ya Smile Rayford, TX.

WAYS TO PREVENT TOOTH DECAY IN KIDS
Routine dental hygiene ought to begin prior to when your little one's first primary tooth even emerges. The ADA (American Dental Association) and the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommends that children have their first visit with the dentist by the time they turn one year old. At your little one's appointments, our Spring, TX dental team can demonstrate the ideal approaches to flossing and brushing their teeth and check for any dental problems. Our team will also provide answers for any concerns you might have about the prevention of dental cavities and offer recommendations on helping to keep your kid's smile as healthy as possible. However, it's important to know that a number of the ideal ways to prevent cavities in younger patients can be done at home every day.

1. Showing children how to brush morning and night using a soft toothbrush, and to floss at least once a day, is essential. Caregivers should co-floss and brush until their kids can effectively take care of without help.
2. Using fluoride fortifies tooth enamel and makes it less likely for acids from bacteria to attack. While numerous areas have fluoridated tap water, we recommend that you still have your family utilize fluoridated toothpaste on a daily basis or ask our experts if fluoride supplements might be beneficial.
3. Avoid or reduce the consumption of foods and drinks that can cause dental caries and damage your children's tooth enamel, such as sugar-loaded snacks, hard and sticky candy, and sports, juice, and soda drinks. If they do happen to consume these foods and drinks, your children should always rinse or brush their mouths as soon as possible.
4. Keeping up with routine cleaning and examination visits as recommended by your family's dentist at Made Ya Smile Rayford, TX provides the opportunity for us to identify decay and other oral health issues as soon as possible and help preserve your little one's smile.

WHAT CAN I DO IF MY KID DEVELOPS DENTAL CARIES?
Make sure to contact our office if your child complains of tooth discomfort or sensitivity, as these are standard indications of oral problems in children that may need treatment. In many cases, a patient isn't aware that they have a cavity until it is detected by a dentist. Once tooth decay is discovered, our team will thoroughly evaluate the area and might take a dental x-ray for a more in-depth look. Our skilled experts might then be able to repair the cavity by eliminating the damaged section of the enamel and then replacing it with a dental filling.

FRIENDLY CHILDRENS' DENTISTRY
Regardless of whether your young one already has the majority of their teeth or just a couple have emerged, it’s vital to plan dental checkups and cleanings on a regular basis. At Made Ya Smile Rayford, TX, we strive to provide superior oral health services for you and your loved ones in a safe and vibrant atmosphere. Call our Spring, TX dental facility to book your child's dental appointment. Our team is committed to helping you and your children enjoy bright, healthy teeth and gums for life!