A pediatric dentist can diagnose and treat a range of oral health concerns in children. However, their primary focus for long-term patients is on preventing issues such as cavities. This article provides an overview of why cavity prevention is important.
A common misconception many parents have is thinking that cavities in primary (baby) teeth are not that important as they are going to come out anyway. However, issues with baby teeth can cause concerns with the development of permanent teeth, in addition to causing discomforting symptoms.
Cavities do more than simply hold the place of permanent teeth while the jaw develops. They also serve as a guide and preserve the positioning for permanent teeth. If baby teeth come out prematurely due to a necessary extraction or from a weakened root, then it could compromise how permanent teeth develop, increasing the risk of needing orthodontic care to address overcrowded or crooked teeth.
A pediatric dentist helps parents maintain the optimal oral health of their child’s baby teeth to further ensure the proper development of permanent teeth. One way they do this is with regular cleaning and check-up visits, which are encouraged every four to six months. Dental sealants can also reduce the risk of cavities in molars and premolars. If the enamel begins to weaken before cavities form, then a pediatric dentist may provide the parent with fluoride treatment for their child to use daily to help strengthen the enamel and prevent enamel erosion.
Parents can also reduce the risk of cavities for their children by ensuring they adequately care for teeth between pediatric dental check-up visits. Most notably, brushing and flossing can keep teeth clean and cavity-free. It is also encouraged to limit the consumption of sugar-filled beverages and snacks as they increase the risk of cavities.
Check-up visits are encouraged every four to six months. This allows the pediatric dentist to check for any signs of cavities or weakened enamel and to perform a routine cleaning procedure.
Another benefit of good oral hygiene at home and regular visits with a pediatric dentist is that the child is able to develop healthy oral care habits at a young age. This helps with cavity prevention of permanent teeth long-term as the habits often carry over into the child’s teenage and adult years when they become more independent.
You can schedule a check-up visit with our pediatric dentist and staff to put together a cavity prevention plan for your child. We genuinely enjoy helping children of all ages prevent cavities in their baby teeth and permanent teeth. Contact our dental office today to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Richmond, TX.
Visiting a pediatric dentistry office with your child ensures his or her future relationship with oral hygiene and dentists, in general. Whenever your child suffers from oral injuries, consider making an appointment with your pediatric dentist to uncover any underlying problems. For instance, injuries to the tongue and teeth could indicate a deeper jaw or…
Fluoridated water is part of pediatric dentistry. It is a convenient and easy way to strengthen and protect teeth at an early age. Many areas have fluoridated water, which is a definite advantage. If you want to know why a dentist will likely recommend fluoridated water, here are the details.Studies show that almost all sources…
Nutrition is an important part of pediatric dentistry. Having balanced amounts of vitamins and minerals can strengthen and protect the teeth. Proper nutrients also fuel dental function. If you want to know how important nutrition is for your child’s oral health, here are the details from a pediatric dentistry professional.Children are still developing. They need…
Dental crowns are important in pediatric dentistry. Each primary tooth is a living guide for the development of permanent teeth. But baby teeth can also suffer from decay. So restoring these teeth is important for the general health of your child. If you want to know if pediatric dentistry uses dental crowns, here are the…
Healthy teeth are a vital part of eating and enjoying food, but certain foods can be more harmful to dental health than others. An important component of oral hygiene basics is learning about foods that help and hurt the teeth. This can allow parents to guide kids' choices when caring for their teeth. Read on…
When it comes to your child's oral hygiene basics, you probably think that changing the foods they consume can strengthen their teeth. However, drinks actually have a large impact on your child's teeth as well because the traces of particles from what they drink stay behind long after they have finished drinking. Here are drinks…