Cavities are one of the most common problems for children. If it’s difficult for adults to remember to brush and floss every day, think about how hard it must be for children to not only remember but to do it correctly! Plus, children love sugary foods, which are major contributors to tooth decay.
It’s important to teach children how to prevent cavities so they can have great oral health for life! Here are some tips from Marsfield Dental Clinic in Macquarie Park to understand and prevent cavities in children.
Untreated cavities in children can cause pain, infection, and hinder jaw development. The longer that tooth decay goes untreated, a child also runs the risk of enduring:
Catching tooth decay early is the best way to prevent a host of problems for your child later in life. As you’re cleaning your child’s teeth, make sure you’re looking out for the following signs of early tooth decay:
If the tooth decay is more advanced, the holes will be more evident and black, a clear indicator of a cavity. Furthermore, if there is an infection, you may see lumps on the gums or swelling on the gums and face.
No matter if you suspect tooth decay in an early or advanced stage, make an appointment with your child’s dentist right away.
Preventing Tooth Decay in Children
The good news is that cavities are preventable! Always use fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash. Furthermore, ask your dentist about applying a dental sealant to the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth to prevent the accumulation of plaque and bacteria.
As the teeth begin to grow, start brushing with a soft toothbrush and clean water. Make an appointment with your dentist before your child turns 1, so your dentist can advise you about the use of fluoride toothpaste and spot problems early.
For children older than 2, make sure they are brushing their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing nightly. It’s always best to have your child drink water that contains fluoride, but if that’s not available in your area, then you can ask your dentist about other supplemental options.
Outside of instilling property oral hygiene habits at home, the best thing you can do to prevent childhood cavities is to make sure your child is seeing the dentist regularly. If your dentist notices anything wrong, they can fix the issue before it leads to severe tooth decay or developmental problems.
To schedule your dentist appointment in Macquarie Park, call Marsfield Dental Clinic on 02 9887 1961. We’re accepting new patients and excited to meet you!
Disclaimer – This blog article does not constitute health advice from a dental professional. For more specific information, please seek an appointment with a dentist.
"The information in this website may be simplified in nature and does not replace professional advice. Risks and consequences may apply to any treatment. Always seek a second opinion when considering complex treatment. A referral to a specialist may be required in certain situations. Quotations can only be given after proper clinical assessment and so pricing details cannot be given over the phone."
COVID 19 Update - Oct 2021
All our members of staff - Dentists and supporting assistants - are fully vaccinated. We are a COVID-safe practice and we are open for all general dental treatment needs and services.
