As a parent, you worry about how well your kids take care of their teeth. You spent the better part of their early childhood teaching them
to brush and floss, and you come up with innovative ways to excite them about
visiting the dentist every six months. If they follow the tenets of good
hygiene that you so diligently taught them, then your kids should be no more
likely to develop cavities than the average adult. However, considering that
over 90% of adults in the United States have had at least one cavity in their
permanent teeth, those odds aren't necessarily comforting.
The Nature of Cavities
The assumption that kids are more susceptible to cavities is
a popular one, likely because of their lack of willpower when it comes to candy
and other sugar-rich treats. As one of the most notorious instigators of tooth decay (along with starch and other carbohydrates), sugar feeds oral bacteria
that convert it into acid. The acid immediately attacks the enamel that
surrounds teeth, depleting the teeth of minerals in the process so that enamel
can't regain its composure. The more often teeth are exposed to acid, the more
prone they'll be to cavities as bacteria slip past weakened enamel and infect
the main body of the tooth.
Cavity Prevention for Kids & Adults
Though everyone's smile is different, and kids sometimes have particular dental needs, the principles of cavity prevention are the same
for nearly everyone. Sugar-hungry bacteria accumulate on a daily basis, forming
dental plaque as they gather, and controlling their numbers with daily hygiene
is the key to preventing the damage they can cause. We advise patients of all
ages to brush and floss their teeth at least twice every day, and after meals
whenever possible. If you can't brush after eating, then rinse your mouth with
water to wash away food particles and neutralize bacterial acid. Dental
sealants and fluoride treatments at our office can help fortify your and your
children's teeth against acid erosion and cavities if they're especially weak
and vulnerable.
ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE CHILDREN’S DENTIST:
Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced
general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a
patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a
three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your
family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your
next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting
us at (972) 262-5111.
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