Children are very susceptible to tooth decay, and untreated cavities could lead to infection or even premature tooth loss. But we can not only treat tooth decay, we can also offer preventive treatments to help safeguard their smiles. In today’s blog, your Lake Orion, MI, dentist talks about helping kids avoid cavities.
The Common Causes of a Cavity
A cavity often forms due to plaque buildup, which occurs when harmful oral bacteria consume particles of sugar and starch left behind by the foods and drinks we consume. This creates a sticky layer that coats teeth and weakens outer enamel, making tooth decay more likely as bacteria reach the sensitive inner structures. Dental damage and teeth grinding can also compromise the outer enamel and allow cavities to concur. Children may experience tooth sensitivity when they eat or drink, or persistent toothache due to the presence of decay. When your little one complains about an aching tooth, let us know right away. Better yet, be sure to attend routine checkups and cleanings, so we can diagnose decay in the earliest stages, before discomfort even occurs!
Fluoride Treatments
Our team can apply a unique treatment to lower the risk of a cavity. Fluoride gel is applied to the teeth topically during each checkup and cleaning visit. This mineral has been shown to strengthen the weakened areas of enamel and help keep cavities at bay. The application takes minutes, and kids just need to avoid food and drink for about 30 minutes afterward. Children also need to use fluoride toothpaste as well, with kids there and younger using a rice sized amount, and kids over the age of three using a pea sized amount. You can often find the same mineral in your community’s tap water too.
Dental Sealants
Many children have trouble reaching their rear teeth, which means these molars are more likely to develop tooth decay. We can help with dental sealants! Our team will apply a special plastic coating to the rear teeth, which prevents particles from our foods and drinks from attaching themselves to the teeth or becoming stuck between them. As a result, cavities are less likely to occur in the areas kids have trouble reaching when they brush and floss. The layers can stay in place for up to ten years in some cases, and gradually wear away with time. As they wear away, they tend to cling the longest to the more vulnerable portions of the tooth structure!
If you have any questions about helping kids avoid cavities, or about fluoride treatments and dental sealants, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Protecting Little Smiles?
Contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI by calling 248-693-6213 to schedule your next appointment with our team and avoid the onset of cavities.
