Tooth decay in Oshawa can affect anyone at any age. However, children are often more at risk of developing cavities. Knowing how tooth decay develops and what to do to minimize this risk can help your child grow up with healthy, strong, hopefully cavity-free teeth.
How Does Tooth Decay Develop?
Whenever you eat anything starchy or sugary, the bacteria in your mouth begin to break down the leftovers, using these as an energy source that allows them to thrive. At the same time, these bacteria create acid. The acid weakens tooth enamel, and repeated exposure to these acids eventually causes holes or cavities to develop.
Below are some strategies to reduce the risk of cavities in Whitby.
Visit the Dentist
Margolian Dentistry is a family-friendly dental office, and we love seeing children. We recommend a child start seeing a dentist regularly by age three and work hard to ensure these visits are as enjoyable as possible. When you bring your child to see us regularly, they can start getting used to the sights, sounds, and smells found in the dental office and learn that there is nothing to fear. We can gently examine your child’s teeth to ensure they develop as expected and check for signs of early cavities.
Regular hygiene appointments in Ajax are also important. We can professionally clean your child’s teeth, getting rid of the bacteria in plaque and tartar and helping them maintain strong, healthy teeth and gums more easily.
Dental Education
Dental education is an important part of our practice. When your child is little, we can show you how to clean their teeth more efficiently, using strategies that make the process more enjoyable for you both. We can work with them directly as they grow up, teaching them how to brush and floss properly. We can also talk to them about the importance of dental care and how it helps prevent cavities and other common problems like gum disease.
Following a Regular Oral Care Routine at Home
Between dental visits, consistently following a good oral routine is crucial so your child grows up knowing it’s non-negotiable. Ensure their teeth are brushed at least twice daily, especially before bedtime. You will also need to floss between your child’s teeth until they are old enough to do this task independently and have enough dexterity to complete it properly.
Diet Makes a Difference
The foods and drinks you give your child are equally important to their oral care routine. Ensure they eat nutritious foods with plenty of protein and calcium most of the time. Consuming plenty of these foods will help ensure your child can develop strong bones and healthy teeth and gums.
It’s unrealistic to cut out candy and other sweet treats entirely. However, when your child does have these foods, try to ensure they are part of their main meal. This is because their mouth will already be more acidic after eating. At the same time, they will also produce more saliva, which helps wash away the excess food particles.
After eating these foods, wait at least half an hour before getting your child to brush their teeth. This gives acidity levels in the mouth a chance to normalize so tooth enamel isn’t as soft and more easily worn away by toothbrushing. If your child has recently had a few cavities despite good dental care, it might be worth assessing their diet more closely. Sometimes, cutting out sugary snacks in between meals can help. It reduces the time your child’s teeth are exposed to sugars and acids, reducing the risk of cavities.
