How Often Do Kids Need Cavity Treatment?
Preventing and treating cavities is a significant part of pediatric dentistry. According to the CDC, more than half of children ages 6 to 8 years old have had a cavity in at least one of their baby teeth. Tooth decay is therefore a major issue when it comes to children’s healthcare.
While it is common for children to develop one or more cavities while they are learning how to properly care for their teeth and maintain healthy dental habits, it is far from unavoidable. Diligent care at home and regular visits to the dentist are the foundation of cavity prevention.
With support from caring parents and guardians, and the superior preventative care available from Chicago kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry, most children are more than capable of fending off tooth decay!
Building Positive Oral Health Habits at Home
The dental care habits that any person has established are rooted in the routines they learned in childhood. A child’s dental needs will change as their baby teeth come in, fall out, and are replaced with permanent teeth, but their dedication to caring for their oral health should never change.
At-home oral care should begin when your child is still an infant. Parents can start by wiping off a baby’s gums after feedings with a damp, soft cloth. As their teeth begin to emerge, using a soft toothbrush can help prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria.
Oral care for toddlers and school-aged children involves teaching them how to brush their own teeth, with supervision, twice per day. Some children have difficulty adjusting to regular brushing, but it is important not to let them give up. Making toothbrush time more fun with games, colorful toothbrushes, flavored toothpaste options, songs, rewards, storytelling, etc. can all help engage kids and make caring for their teeth feel less like a chore and more like a treat.
Eating A Tooth-Friendly Diet
Most parents are already fairly concerned with what their child eats- as they should be, since a child’s general health and oral health relies, in part, on a healthy diet. Below are some tips on how to help protect your child’s teeth through their eating habits.
- Limit Certain Foods – Sugary and acidic snacks and beverages can be a real threat to your child’s dental health. Sugar molecules and naturally occurring bacteria in your child’s mouth combine to create plaque, a sticky, harmful substance that contributes to tooth decay.
- Encourage Kids to Eat Vitamin and Mineral-Rich Foods – Potassium, phosphorus, and Vitamins D, K, C, and A are known to help build strong bones and healthy gums.
- Offer Water Over Juice – Making sure your child drinks the recommended amount of water can help them stay hydrated, supporting healthy salivation and greater oral health.
- Try Brushing or Rinsing After Meals and Snacks – Getting your child into the habit of brushing their teeth after eating, or rinsing their mouth thoroughly with water, can help reduce the chances of developing cavities and gum disease.
Dental Visits Aid in Cavity Prevention
Visiting a dentist for professional exams and dental treatment is essential to your child’s oral development.
During dental cleanings and oral exams, our team at Chicago kiDDS will use specialized tools to clear away plaque buildup in areas of your child’s mouth that cannot be reached with a regular toothbrush. The dentist will also check to see that their smile is developing correctly, and identify any issues that may have gone unnoticed prior to the appointment.
Regular visits also provide your child’s dentist with an opportunity to check in with you about how at-home dental care is going. We will make sure that you know what, if any, new steps need to be taken at home to keep up with their developing smile. Dental visits are also an ideal time to answer any questions you or your child may have about their teeth and current dental plan.
In addition to counseling you and your child on age-appropriate home care, our pediatric dentists can also make recommendations for additional preventative treatments. For example, at Chicago kiDDS, we often suggest dental sealants for cavity prevention.
Treating Cavities
While preventing cavities is preferable to treating them, our team is always prepared to help patients who have developed a cavity.
During regular visits, your child will be thoroughly screened for cavities with a visual inspection of their teeth and possibly an x-ray. If a cavity is found, the tooth decay will need to be removed and the tooth repaired with a dental filling. At Chicago kiDDS, we use the safest, most effective cavity treatments available, and always keep your child’s comfort-level in mind during the process.
Visit Chicago kiDDS for Pediatric Cavity Treatment in Palos Heights
Have you been searching for “cavity treatment near me” in an effort to find a reliable, welcoming pediatric dentist in Palos Heights or the surrounding areas? If so, Chicago kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry is here for you. Our team of dental professionals work hard to make sure that every patient’s specific needs are addressed with customized dental services, and that they achieve optimal dental health with help from our staff.
Contact our pediatric dental office today when you call (708) 448-6700 to schedule an appointment!
