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By The Smile Shapers - Dentist Ventura

Cavities, which are commonly known as childhood tooth decay and caries, afflict almost everyone on the planet. There are two main reasons for cavities: bad oral hygiene and over consumption of sugar.

Cavities can be quite unpleasant, and if left unchecked, they can lead to tooth decay and early childhood periodontitis. Children should eat a balanced diet, pursue a good home oral care regimen, and see the Dentist Ventura CA on a regular basis to help prevent cavities as well as improve overall dental health.

WHAT CAUSES CAVITIES?

When children’s teeth are regularly exposed to sugary foods, cavities develop. After eating, sugars and carbohydrates (such as those found in white bread) accumulate on and around the teeth. A sticky film (plaque) subsequently forms on the tooth enamel. The acid produced by oral bacteria consumed sugar particles and emitted further into the mouth. The acid begins attacking the tooth enamel first, weakening it before leaving it susceptible to decay Later on, if circumstances are allowed to deteriorate further, the acid erodes the interior workings of the tooth.

Primary teeth (baby) are ultimately lost, but they serve several useful purposes and should be maintained. Children must brush and floss twice a day, ideally more, and see the dentist on a yearly basis. The pediatric dentist may also apply a sealant to the teeth and give fluoride supplements to fortify the oral defenses.

IF MY CHILD HAS A CAVITY, HOW WILL I KNOW?

Small cavities can be painless, but large ones might cause severe discomfort. Small cavities may not even be felt, while big ones might be excruciatingly painful. Even worse, cavities can sometimes develop between the teeth, making them difficult to detect with the naked eye. Dental X-rays and a dentist’s expert eyesight aid in identifying even the tiniest of cavities, allowing them to be treated as soon as possible.

THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME OF THE MOST FREQUENT SIGNS OF TOOTH DECAY:

  • Increased sensitivity to cold and hot meals
  • Waking up in tears and crying at night
  • Pain
  • Intolerance to spicy foods
  • Toothache

If any of these warning signs appear in a kid, it’s critical that he or she see the pediatric dentist. If you ignore a cavity for too long, the damage will only get worse and the child will be in pain as well as risk losing a tooth that might have been saved.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT CAVITIES AT HOME?

Biannual check-ups with a pediatric dentist are only one aspect of the fight against cavities. Here are some cavity preventative advice to assist you:

  • Analyze the diet – Sugary or starchy diets may contribute to tooth decay. Replace sweets with real items whenever feasible, and instead of soda, drink water.
  • Remove the sweets – Frequent snacking may expose teeth to carbohydrates unnecessarily. Keep the sugar and starch for mealtimes, when the child is producing more saliva and drinking water. After each meal, make sure they drink enough water to clean their teeth.
  • Remove the sippy cup – When a sippy cup is used after it has outlived its use (approximately twelve months), it’s thought to cause “baby bottle tooth decay.” The tiny quantity of liquid released with each sip causes sugary liquid to swill around the teeth.
  • Avoid sticky foods – They form plaque rapidly and are tough to remove from the teeth. When possible, avoid them.
  • Wash the pacifier – Infectious bacteria can be carried from mother to child via the nipple. To avoid contaminating the baby’s mouth, rinse a filthy pacifier with running water rather than sucking on it.
  • Drinks before bedtime — Giving a kid a bottle or sippy cup before going to sleep is terrible news. The milk, formula, juice, or sweetened water simply sits on the teeth throughout the night attacking enamel and heightening the chance of cavities. Make sure the youngster has one last drink before lights out and then brush his/her teeth.
  • Use a pacifier that is less sweetened — Parents sometimes dip pacifiers in honey to calm a fussy infant. Do not be seduced into this option. Instead, try using a blanket, toy, or embrace to soothe the child.
  • Brush and floss – Until the child reaches the age of seven years old, parents should floss and brush their children’s teeth twice a day. Children before this age are unable to properly clean all areas of their mouths.
  • Check on fluoridation – When used correctly, fluoride can help prevent cavities by strengthening tooth enamel. Too much or too little fluoride might destroy teeth, so get a fluoridation check from your child’s dentist.
  • Keep to appointments – According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommendations, The first dental visit for a child should be scheduled around his or her first birthday. To develop healthy smiles, stick to a regular appointment schedule!

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By The Smile Shapers - Dentist Ventura