Ensuring your kids have healthy and radiant smiles requires planning and discipline. Preventing cavities in your kids is about much more than keeping your youngsters’ little teeth healthy today. It’s about building and reinforcing healthy, long-term habits, making informed nutritional choices, and maintaining a commitment to regular dental visits.
At Lonestar Smiles for Kids, we believe prevention starts early. As a result, we’re here to guide Weatherford families through every stage of their children’s dental journeys. Let’s explore how we can work together to keep your child’s smile bright and cavity-free!
Understanding Cavities in Children
Cavities are patches of decay that occur when oral bacteria feed on sugar and produce acids that erode enamel. In kids, cavities can develop quickly, especially in baby teeth, as they have thinner enamel. A common misconception is that cavities in baby teeth don’t pose a threat or require professional care. This could not be further from the truth.
Left untreated, cavities in baby teeth can cause:
- Pain or sensitivity
- Difficulty chewing or eating
- Infections that could impact permanent teeth
- Lasting dental anxiety
How Do Cavities Form?
Regardless of a person’s age, cavities typically develop in three steps:
- Residual bacteria from food and beverages form a sticky film, “plaque,” on teeth and along the gumline.
- Additional sugars, from normal eating and drinking, feed these bacteria.
- The bacteria produce acid that erodes tooth enamel and can harm gum tissue.
Establishing Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits
Healthy habits are best established early. As soon as your child's teeth appear, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. As your kids get older, please encourage them to take ownership of their brushing and flossing routines while still supervising to ensure proper technique. Tips to encourage include:
- Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time.
- Using fluoride toothpaste (a rice-sized amount for children under 3; a slightly larger amount for older kids).
- Flossing as soon as teeth start to touch.
- Replace their toothbrush every 3 months or after they have been ill.
- Make oral care fun and engaging with songs and colorful or flavored toothpaste.
Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Children's Dental Exams in Weatherford, TX
If you're looking for a pediatric dentist in Weatherford committed to helping your kids avoid early cavities and establish healthy habits to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles and anxiety-free dental visits, contact Dr. Brant Boling and the friendly, caring Lonestar Smiles for Kids team today to schedule an appointment.