Worrying about tooth decay in your children probably isn’t at the top of your concerns, however, this is a problem that affects 42% of children ages 2 to 11. In fact, nearly 28% of children ages 2 to 5 develop at least one cavity.
We want all our patients to have happy, healthy smiles so we put together this handy guide for parents on how they can prevent tooth decay in children and what they can expect if their little one develops a cavity.
What Causes Tooth Decay in Children?
Tooth decay is caused when bacteria in the mouth begin to eat away at the primary teeth. This can happen due to:
- Inadequate dental care
- Not brushing your teeth
- Going to bed with a bottle (baby bottle tooth decay)
- Too many sugary treats
You Can Prevent Cavities Before They Happen
Although this a somewhat common problem in children, there are a few things you can do to prevent tooth decay in the first place.
- Limit sweets. Sweets every once in a while is just fine as let’s be honest, no one can resist them always! But it’s best to limit these sweet treats as they help bacteria to grow and can lead to tooth decay.
- Proper brushing technique. Brush with a fluoride toothpaste and use only a pea sized amount. Learn more about proper brushing techniques.
- Visit dentist regularly. It’s best to visit the dentist twice a year to make sure your child doesn’t have cavities or tooth decay. Once the back morals grow in, Dr. Payam will probably recommend applying dental sealants to help even more in cavity prevention.
What To Expect If Your Child Has Tooth Decay
If your child develops tooth decay, they will require dental work. This can range from a filling to correct smaller cavities, to a full crown for extensive damage. These procedures are necessary to prevent the bacteria from spreading and leading to more decay.
The fact that your child’s teeth will fall out doesn’t mean that you can ignore problems like tooth decay. If the decay is severe enough, it can damage the permanent teeth underneath. This is also the prime time to lay down the groundwork for good dental hygiene that your child will carry with them for the rest of their life.
Schedule your appointment today with Dr. Payam to get started on the path to great dental health!
