Circumventing Cavities: How to Better Protect Your Child’s Smile

Growing smiles are not immune to cavities. Continuing to be the leading oral health problem among children, statistics state that nearly 40% of pre-Kindergartners have dental caries. As a parent, you may wonder what you can do to prevent this growing issue and how you can better protect your child’s smile. If you keep reading, you can discover a few tips that are designed to help in your pursuit of cavity-free teeth for your little one.

What Causes Cavities to Form?

A cavity is the formation of a small hole in the enamel (outer layer) of a tooth. This happens as a result of a sticky film that forms on teeth known as plaque. When consuming certain foods, it can combine with harmful acids that break down tooth enamel, causing a cavity to form.

What causes this sticky film though? The answer is many things can lead to an accumulation of plaque and tartar, including:

• Sugary and starchy foods
• Poor oral hygiene
• Lack of saliva production – dry mouth

What Can You Do to Prevent Cavities?

If you want your child to avoid cavities and maintain a healthier, damage-free smile, you’ll need to make sure they not only adopt a good at-home oral hygiene routine but also maintain regular visits to the dentist’s office for checkups and cleanings.

You can also:

• Minimize how much sugar they consume. Too many cookies, chips, candy, and soda can encourage plaque to build, leading to a greater risk of tooth decay and ultimately, cavities.
• Make sure they’re drinking a lot of water. Swap out sugary or acidic beverages for water, as it not only helps them stay hydrated but also keeps their mouth moist so that bacteria are less likely to form and thrive.
• Use fluoride toothpaste if your child is old enough to spit and rinse properly. Children under three years of age should only use a smear (the size of a grain of rice); however, those over the age of three can use a pea-sized amount.

If you notice that your child already has a cavity, call to schedule an appointment with their dentist right away. The longer you wait to seek help, the greater the chances of the decay spreading. Depending on the severity of the problem, your child may be recommended for fluoride treatment, silver diamine fluoride, tooth-colored fillings, or even pulp therapy.

Being proactive about your child’s teeth and oral health will give them a better chance to enjoy life with a healthier, cavity-free smile. Don’t hesitate to ask their dentist for additional help to minimize their risk.

About the Author
Dr. Maggie Davis earned her undergraduate degree, her Doctor of Dental Medicine, and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Florida. As a board-certified pediatric dentist and diplomate in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, she cares about the current and future state of a child’s oral health. This is why she provides many different treatment options to not only prevent cavities but also treat them should they begin to form. Call our office at (727) 786-7551 or visit our website if you have questions about how to pursue a cavity-free smile for your child.