Children develop tooth decay for a number of reasons, and this decay could lead to discomfort and even premature tooth loss! Which is why we work hard to prevent kids from developing cavities with unique preventive dental care. In today’s blog, your Syosset, NY, dentist talks about how to protect kids from tooth decay.
The Causes (and Dangers) of Cavities
First, let’s talk about the structures that make up each tooth. At the very center is a collection of nerve tissues known as the pulp, which controls the movement of blood and nutrients to and from the teeth. Surrounding this is the dentin, a sensitive material that makes up most of the tooth structure. Finally, the enamel coats the teeth and provides a protective layer. A cavity means that harmful bacteria has entered the dentin. This could happen if the enamel is chipped or cracked, or if poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup weakens and erodes the layer. Without treatment, this could lead to tooth sensitivity and toothaches, and once the cavity spreads and reaches the pulp, a dental infection!
Fluoride Treatments
We don’t want the health and stability of the smile to suffer due to a cavity. When we see your child every six months for a checkup and cleaning, we monitor the smile for signs of decay and we clean the teeth as well, which removes all plaque and tartar, preventing the bacterial buildup from causing decay. In the same visits, we will also apply a fluoride gel to the teeth too. Fluoride occurs naturally and has been shown to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. The gel application only takes minutes to complete. You can also help by offering a fluoride toothpaste, with kids three and younger using a rice-sized amount and children over the age of three using a pea-sized amount. This helps ensure stronger smiles!
Dental Sealants
Children often have trouble reaching the molars, as these sit in the back of the mouth. Their limited dexterity could enable particles from our foods and drinks to stay between these teeth, leading to cavities. But we can help with a dental sealant! This involves applying a special acrylic coating to the rear teeth. Which covers them and prevents particles from our foods and drinks from becoming caught there. This helps limit tooth decay, and they can sometimes stay in place for as long as ten years! If you have any questions about protecting little smiles, then contact our team today to learn more.
Syosset Dental Offers Children’s Dentistry
We would like to help kids enjoy healthy smiles and avoid the onset of cavities. If you have questions about avoiding the onset of cavities in childhood, then contact our Syosset, NY dental office today at 516-433-2211.
