One thing that all of us know to be true about our children is the fact that they love their snacks – cookies, candy, ice cream, soda, you name it. But it’s always the foods that taste the most delicious, the ones that are our little guilty pleasures, that can harm our teeth. If your child consumes too much of these foods and drinks, it can cause cavities to develop.
That’s why it’s wise to take your child to receive pediatric dentistry in Dearborn on a routine basis. This will allow their dentists and you as a parent to keep a close eye on things and jump into action before an issue can get serious.
Contact our dentist near you to book an appointment today!
What is a Cavity?
A cavity is a tiny hole that forms in and around your teeth. They’re also known as dental caries, though this term isn’t used that frequently. Cavities appear due to the presence of bacteria – more specifically when there’s an amalgamation of bacteria on your teeth and gums due to poor oral hygiene and eating too much sugar.
It is not uncommon for kids to get cavities – in fact, this demographic is more prone to cavity development than others. Alongside their bodies rapidly changing, they’re still continually learning how to take care of their smiles properly.
Talk to your child’s pediatric dentist for more information about cavities and cavity prevention. They’ll be able to answer any questions you have about the subject.
Factors That Contribute to Cavity Formation
Multiple factors can cause cavities to appear. To help you understand this occurrence better, described in further detail below are some of the main things that can lead to your child developing cavities:
Excess bacteria
Even though most of us automatically attribute too much sugar to cavity development, this problem can arise from an infection or disease too. This type of bacteria can be transmitted to kids from their moms, and by the spread of saliva.
Fortunately, there are easy things you can do to help reduce the number of cavity-inducing bacteria in your kiddo’s mouth including wiping off toys before using them and not sharing utensils with them when eating.
Diet
While it is certainly worth mentioning that too much sugar can increase the chances of cavities forming, these types of foods aren’t the only ones guilty of such a thing.
Anything that your child eats that’s high in carbohydrates can damage their teeth. Carbohydrates are broken down into different sugars inside their mouth which, in turn, encourage cavities if there’s a lack of teeth brushing. Examples include chips and white bread.
Bottles before bed
Pediatric dentists often tell parents not to give their babies a bottle when putting them to bed. In addition to the fact that sugary liquids like juice are put in bottles, the bacteria from the juice can build up on the lip of the bottle itself. Bottles also interfere with your child’s natural saliva flow.
Dental Enamel
Enamel is the protective layer found on the surface of your teeth. When the enamel erodes, this leaves your teeth more vulnerable to damage such as chips, cracks, and yes, cavities. Some enamel defects are inherited, some appear because of oral trauma, and some are the result of poor dental hygiene.
When You Should Take Your Child to the Dentist
Dental experts frequently advise parents to take their children to see a dentist in Dearborn around their first birthday or after their first baby tooth comes in. The dentist will examine their mouths and let you know if there’s anything amiss. As your child grows older, their dentist will teach them about the importance of prioritizing their oral health and how to brush and floss effectively.
Prevention and Treatment of Cavities
Like most dental issues, cavities are indeed preventable. Listed below are some strategies that you as a parent can execute to help your child look after their smiles:
- Brush their teeth once their first tooth comes in. Use a wet cloth to wash their gums.
- Help them floss once every day.
- Have them adhere to a balanced diet. Having sugar every once in a while is by no means a bad thing, but kids should also be eating veggies, fruits, and dairy products.
- Bring them in for biannual dental checkups and cleanings.
- Make sure they drink lots of water each day.
- Set an example by cleaning your teeth with them.
Book an Appointment with Us Today!
At Oakman Family Dentistry, we provide pediatric dentistry near you. Our staff is excited to welcome you and your family to our clinic and assist you with all your oral health goals.
Give us a call or send us an email to set up an initial consultation with a member of our team. We look forward to working with you!