Tooth decay is a serious risk for individuals that don’t maintain their routine cleanings.
This occurs when bacteria in your mouth create acids that eat away at the tooth, which can lead to holes in your teeth called cavities. Acid can come from food that attaches to your teeth for about 20 and cause tooth decay.or more minutes after you eat. These acids will ultimately destroy teeth enamel over time
An important time to make sure tooth decay doesn’t occur is when the individual is a child. Children are more likely to have tooth decay than adults. This is because the minerals in their teeth are not very strong and are easier for acids to eat away at. The care of your child’s baby teeth could dictate positive or negative effects of their adult teeth. Caring for you children’s teeth starts when they are babies. Babies who are put to bed with a bottle have an increase in tooth decay because of the sugars in milk, formula or juice. Also, children can get bacteria from adults who share utensils with them.
The consequences of tooth decay should be highly emphasized to your children if they fail to brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day. There were studies conducted that one in four children do not practice the recommended twice a day brushing of their teeth.
Everyone has a risk to receive a cavity. It is very important to implement strong habits for the child when their baby teeth start to grow. Without a visit to the dentist early, your child will not become familiar and comfortable with dental visits. Parents should immediately contact their dentist if these early symptoms become visible: the gum line will have a dull white color, brown spots on the child’s teeth or red swollen gums, bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth or a toothache. If your child has a toothache, see your dentist. The toothache may go away but the tooth decay will continue to keep growing. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection and tooth loss.
Create a fun experience with your children to have them enjoy brushing regularly. With the guidance from your dentist and hygienist, they will be able to show you how to care for your child's teeth. Also, making sure to use proper oral health products, such as a full-strength fluoride toothpaste and/or fluoride mouthwash, which can help reduce the risk for cavities.
Omitting bad habits from the beginning of a child’s life is extremely important in stopping tooth decay. Failure to take initial action of explaining to your children the results of tooth decay could begin a pattern of lifelong dental problems. A child should visit their dentist every six months for checkups and cleaning. X-rays may be taken yearly to detect tooth decay that can’t be seen with the eyes alone. They should also maintain a healthy and balanced diet and reducing foods that are high in sugar.
For more information, you can ask your Saratoga Springs dentist about fluoride supplements if your water does not have enough fluoride and about sealants to help protect your child’s teeth from tooth decay. If your child does get tooth decay, there are many treatment plans such as fillings, crowns, bridges, implants and root canals.
