Bitter Truth About Tooth Decay

Tooth decay or dental cavities or dental caries can be defined as the destroying of the enamel (hard outer surface) of a tooth. Tooth decay takes place because of the bacteria that resides in plaque. Plaque is a sticky, slimy film formed by the action of bacteria because of sugary substances in the mouth. These bacteria produce acid which damages the tooth. It is a widespread dental problem in toddlers and children.

Cause of Tooth Decay:

One of the primary purposes of tooth decay in toddlers and children is going to bed with a bottle. This is commonly known as baby bottle tooth decay. The sugar in milk and juice stays in your kid’s mouth whole night and provides suitable conditions for the bacteria to grow and multiply at an alarming rate.

Other causes of tooth decay are eating sugary foods and carbohydrates, sugary drinks, poor oral hygiene, and plaque formation.

Prevention:

Rinse  Mouth After Drinks:

It is recommended and advised not to let your toddlers and kids go to wrong with a bottle. Avoid giving them sugary drinks and milk before bed. If they have milk or juice before bed does provide them with water to drink after it.

Correct Toothbrush:

You should help your children in brushing his teeth daily. You should also avoid sugary foods and other foods that have a high content of organic acid as it makes the enamel weak and makes your child more prone to caries and tooth decay. It would be best if you visited a pediatric dentist as soon as your toddler’s teeth start erupting out.

Always use a soft bristles toothbrush for your toddlers and kids twice daily. Go carefully to look for a toothbrush that reaches to all the areas and corners of the teeth. Make them learn to hold the brush at a proper angle and help them to brush for at least 2 minutes.

Use of Dental Floss:

It would be best if you taught your children to use floss after brushing. Flossing removes food particles that stuck in between the gaps of the teeth. Your pediatric dentist will be able to guide you in knowing the right technique and brand of floss for your little ones.

Correct Toothpaste:

Toothpaste has an essential place in maintaining oral hygiene. It prevents your teeth from becoming susceptible to tooth decay and cavities. It would be best if you always went for the toothpaste that is recommended by your pediatric dentist.

Always Watch What You Eat: 

When you eat foods like cookies, candies, waffles, wafers, sugary drinks, they tend to get stuck in between your teeth and cause tooth decay. Make it a habit to binge on raw fruits and vegetables quite often. They help in removing the plaque. They act as natural scrubbers for your kid’s teeth. Eating fruits and vegetables daily keeps your kid’s teeth healthy.

Never Forget To Visit Your Dentist:

Give a visit to your pediatric dentist at least twice a year for routine check-up and examination. Professional cleaning helps in removing any plaque that can lead to tooth decay. They can even advise on how to prevent cavities and tooth decay.

Bottom line:

Prevention is always better than cure.  Inculcate good oral habits in your children to avoid dental problems. However, if your children are suffering from any plaque or cavities, always take the help of your pediatric dentist. Teeth are very precious as it makes your smile beautiful. So never go easy on your teeth. Preserve and save them to avoid dental problems and pain. Make them healthy by inculcating good oral hygiene.

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