Do You Need to Treat Cavities in Kids?
Cavities in kids’ teeth can cause serious problems! Cavities are a form of tooth decay, and should always be treated as soon as possible. February is Children’s Dental Health Month, so this month at Sunrise Dental, we’re focusing on the importance of dental care for kids. Good oral care habits and regular checkups can help kids prevent cavities and grow up with healthy teeth.
What causes cavities in children?
Kids love sugary snacks and drinks, but so does plaque! Sugar feeds plaque, the main culprit in tooth decay. When plaque eats sugar, it creates acids that attack tooth enamel. Limiting sugary foods and drinks will help fight cavities! Encourage kids to drink water instead of juice or soda, and to brush their teeth 30 minutes after consuming sugary treats.
How to Detect Cavities in Children
The symptoms of cavities in children are similar to the symptoms of cavities in adults. Pain when chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold, or visible spots on the tooth usually indicate cavities. If you have noticed any of these symptoms in your child, call Sunrise Dental to schedule a checkup.
Do you need to treat cavities in baby teeth?
Yes, even cavities in baby teeth need to be treated. It is a common misconception that cavities in baby teeth do not need to be treated because they will eventually fall out. However, untreated cavities cause constant pain, which inhibits a child’s speaking and learning ability as well as their nutritional intake. Waiting for a decayed baby tooth to fall out can also lead to serious dental problems later in life.
How to Prevent Cavities in Children
Cavities are one of the most common chronic childhood diseases, but they can be prevented. Teach your kids to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Make sure your kids drink lots of water—a hydrated mouth is a healthy mouth! Most importantly, schedule regular dentist visits to ensure that your kids stay cavity-free.
Contact Us
Prevent cavities in kids before they start! Sunrise Dental in Peoria provides comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages, including toddlers, children, and teenagers. Our friendly dentists will help you keep your kids and cavity-free and smiling bright! Call us today at 623-487-4870 or visit our website to schedule your child’s next checkup.
Photo by S&B Vonlanthen on Unsplash used under Creative Commons license for commercial use 2/11/2021.