Understanding and Preventing Tooth Decay: Tips from a Kid’s Dentist

As a kid's dentist, we often hear questions from parents wishing to know more about how cavities develop and what they can do to prevent them. Generally speaking, tooth decay is a direct result of bacteria, food becoming stuck to teeth and acid. Bacteria in food can lead to the creation of plaque, which is the yellow sticky substance that makes teeth appear dirty. The plaque on the teeth will then feed on the food that a child eats, especially on sugar. The more sugar a child eats, the more plaque will develop.

During this process, acid forms and it is the acid that actually attacks the tooth. Acid is also a component in certain foods like lemons, oranges, sour candy and soda. Over time, the acid will break through the enamel, outer layer of teeth, and begin to attack the dentin. At this point, your child will begin feeling discomfort. If the decay continues to the center of the tooth, that pain will become severe.

Preventing tooth decay

There are several steps parents can take to prevent tooth decay in their children. First, parents can help their children brush their teeth at least twice a day and to floss once a day. This will remove food particles and plaque that has builds up on the teeth, hopefully before acid can form and begin attacking them.

Since bacteria feeds on sugar, after a child has eaten a meal, their teeth can be awash in acid for 20 minutes or longer. As such, we recommend that a child rinses their mouth with water after eating if there are no toothbrushes nearby. Additionally, give them plenty of water to drink throughout the day to ensure that the child's mouth remains moist, further preventing the risk of decay.

Limit exposure to acid by making dietary changes. We recommend that parents avoid giving children too much:

• Sour candy
• Lemons or limes to suck on
• Acidic juice
• Soda

Tools used by a kid’s dentist

We can also help to strengthen children's teeth through the use of fluoride. The fluoride treatment contains a naturally occurring mineral and when used by our dentist office, it can work to strengthen the teeth. Applying it is fast, easy and highly effective. The stronger a child's teeth are, the harder it will be for plaque and acid to successfully attack the teeth; reducing the likelihood of them developing tooth decay.

Additionally, by cleaning patient's teeth twice a year, we will help to keep their teeth healthy and prevent decay.

Time matters

If your child complains of a toothache or you notice gray spots on their teeth, call our kid's dentist office immediately. We can examine and treat them right away, removing any signs of decay. The sooner you get them in, the less likely that decay will spread and create additional problems like infections or tooth loss.

Schedule your child's appointment today to prevent decay or to remove any that has already formed.

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