As you help your child brush their teeth, or supervise them while they brush their teeth themselves, there are a few teeth you should be ensuring get brushed well. Due to their shape, there are several teeth that are more likely to form cavities than others. Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry explains why these teeth form more cavities and how to prevent them.
When keeping your children healthy, it’s important to remember their dental health, too. Children are susceptible to cavities just like adults and should be caring for their teeth regularly to prevent tooth decay.
What Is A Cavity?
When a cavity, or hole, develops in a tooth, this is the result of tooth decay. The process of tooth decay starts with an infection of bacteria in a child’s mouth. Bacteria feed on sugar and produce acid that in time, will dissolve minerals on the outermost layer of the tooth, known as enamel. Eventually, the inner layer, dentin, of the tooth becomes affected.
4 Signs of Cavities in Your Kid’s Teeth
As you’re monitoring your children’s teeth, you should keep your eye out for these common indications of tooth decay. If your child has these 4 signs of cavities then visit one of our dentist offices:
- White/chalky spots on teeth and gum line
- Yellowish film on teeth
- Red, swollen gums
- Pain/discomfort when chewing or drinking hot or cold liquids
Protect Your Child’s Smile from Tooth Decay
To keep your children’s teeth healthy and happy, make sure to assist them in taking good care of their teeth. For better oral hygiene, follow these tips from Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry:
- Brush for two minutes, twice daily. Help and monitor your child until they develop good brushing habits.
- Don’t forget to floss. Once your child has two teeth touching, you should ensure that you are flossing to remove plaque.
- Make regular appointments with your local pediatric dentist in Charlotte. Schedule dental examinations for tooth decay prevention.
Do Molars Form More Cavities?
If you or your child have ever had a cavity, it’s more than likely that it was in a molar. Designed to help grind and chew food, the molars have a different shape than the other teeth. Molar teeth are more likely to form cavities due to a couple of factors: pits and fissures. The small indentations in molars are called pits, and the long grooves are fissures.
The pits and fissures have a tendency to trap food particles, sugars, and other elements that lead to the growth of bacteria and eventual tooth decay. They also make it more difficult for a toothbrush to brush away food and clean these areas. Because of this, kids are more likely to form cavities in their molar teeth. These types of cavities are called “pit and fissure cavities.”
How to Prevent Cavities in Molars
The first step to preventing cavities is daily, thorough dental hygiene. Your child should be brushing, or have their teeth brushed, twice a day for at least two minutes. As a parent, it’s important you supervise to make sure all teeth are getting cleaned, especially the molars. Proper dental hygiene includes flossing, too. Your child should be flossing their teeth every day, getting between each tooth to remove food particles and plaque.
Protect your child’s molars by reducing the sugary and acidic food and drink they consume. Sugary foods and drinks cling to teeth and breed bacteria that lead to tooth decay. Instead of candy, cookies, and gummies, give your child cheeses, nuts, and fruits and vegetables. Not only are these healthier choices for their body, but their teeth as well. Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry recommends replacing juices, sodas, and sports drinks with water or milk.
Visit the Pediatric Dentist in Charlotte, NC
Prevention is the key to keeping your child’s smile healthy and happy. Stay on top of regular exams at their pediatric dentist to ensure there are no issues forming. If you have questions about preventing cavities or dental hygiene for your child, reach out to Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry today.
