Helpful Ways to Reduce the Risk of Dental Decay In Children

Dental caries, also known as cavities or tooth decay, are a prevalent health issue among younger patients. However, regular oral care can help reduce the chance of this issue among people as they go through life. Attending regular dental cleanings and exams with a family dental practitioner is an essential part of addressing dental needs, such as tooth decay and the prevention of cavities, and is paramount to ensuring your children's smiles are healthy and vibrant. 

At Made Ya Smile, we provide the tools and tips required to help your family enjoy healthy and bright teeth for life. Our Houston, TX dentists share the following details surrounding dental decay and how to minimize the risk of this dental problem in kids. There’s no better time than now to help them develop ideal oral habits. 

WHAT CAUSES DENTAL DECAY?

A dental cavity is a spot in the tooth structure that can develop as an area in the outer layer erodes away. Dental cavities may occur when oral bacteria, plaque, and food debris stay behind following a snack or meal, especially after eating starches and sugars in items like milk, colas, candy, cookies, fruit juices, cakes, and bread. When the acid given off by these bacteria accumulates on a tooth, it can soften the enamel and cause decay to form. When left untreated, this hole can get deeper and larger, and can, over time, lead to pain. This makes it vital to have dental decay addressed as soon as possible by the caring dentists at Made Ya Smile. 

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP TO FEND OFF TOOTH DECAY IN KIDS

Dental care should begin before your little one's very first primary tooth even emerges. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggests that young patients have their first appointment with the dentist before turning a year old. At your child's dental exams, our Houston, TX dentists will show you the ideal methods for brushing and flossing their teeth and look for any concerning oral health conditions. We can also provide answers for any questions you may have surrounding the prevalence of dental cavities and offer recommendations on how to keep your son or daughter's teeth in good health. It is important for parents to understand that some of the ideal ways to prevent cavities in younger individuals need to start at home.  

1. Showing little ones how to brush properly in the morning and at night using a soft-bristled toothbrush and use dental floss at least once a day, is important. Parents will need to co-floss and brush until their children are able to manage this process by themselves. 
2. Regular fluoride use helps protect the tooth structures and makes it more difficult for acids to penetrate. Even though some communities may have fluoridated water supplies, you should still have your children brush with toothpaste formulated with fluoride on a routine basis or ask our dental professionals if fluoride supplements are a good idea. 
3. Limit or avoid drinks and foods that could lead to tooth decay and weaken your child's enamel, such as sugar-loaded treats, candy, sports drinks, juice, and soda. If they do consume these items, children should rinse or brush their teeth as soon as they can. 
4. Keeping up with regular cleaning and examination visits as recommended by our team at Made Ya Smile allows us to diagnose caries and additional oral health issues as early as possible and help preserve your child's smile. 

WHAT DO I DO WHEN MY DAUGHTER OR SON HAS CONFIRMED TOOTH DECAY?

Make sure to reach out to our facility if your son or daughter notices oral discomfort or sensitivity, both of which can be typical indications of decay in patients that could call for further attention. In other instances, a patient may not even know a cavity is present until a dentist finds it. After tooth decay is detected, our team will carefully assess the area and could take a digital x-ray for a more in-depth look. We may then be able to treat the area of decay by eliminating the weakened part of the enamel and fortifying it with a dental restoration. 

FIND DENTISTRY FOR CHILDREN IN HOUSTON, TX

Regardless of whether your little one already has many teeth or only a couple that have erupted, it’s vital to plan dental checkups and cleanings on a regular basis. At Made Ya Smile, we aim to deliver outstanding oral health experiences for you and your little ones in a safe and vibrant atmosphere. Call our Houston, TX dental office to set up your child's dental appointment. Our team looks forward to helping you and your kids keep healthy and happy teeth and gums for years to come!