As a parent, you strive to teach your child proper oral hygiene habits to promote a healthy, beautiful smile. Despite your best efforts, there may be a hidden danger lurking in your child’s mouth—tooth decay. Cavities are the most common chronic childhood disease. In fact, it is 5 times more likely than asthma. While they often occur, they are easily preventable and treatable when caught in the early stages. Unfortunately, it may not always be obvious to tell when your child has a cavity. However, you can help to spot the warning signs with simple tips.

Tooth Decay in Children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates at least 19% of children between the ages of 2-19 currently have untreated tooth decay. In addition, 20% of children 5 to 11 years of age have already had at least one filled.

The large number of untreated cavities is often due to late diagnosis. In between your child’s semi-annual appointments for preventive care, they can go undetected until after significant damage has occurred. However, by learning to recognize certain symptoms that your child may be experiencing, you can help to catch tooth decay while the problem is still small.

Common signs of tooth decay in children often include:

• Tooth pain or sensitivity
• White or brown spots on the surface of their teeth

Preventing Tooth Decay

Although cavities are quite common, they are easily preventable with the right oral hygiene habits and regular appointments with their children’s dentist. As soon as the first tooth erupts, it is time to start protecting your child’s teeth from tooth decay. To safeguard their smile, there are simple tips that you can use at home:

Brush Twice a Day: Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush that accommodates the size of their mouth. Brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes each session using a fluoride toothpaste.

Floss Daily: Every night before going to bed, your child should floss their teeth. Choose a high-quality dental floss that has earned the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance.

Visit the Dentist: Before your child’s first birthday, they need to begin to see their dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.

Choose Fluorinated Water: Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter. Whenever possible, it is best to encourage your child to drink tap water to help strengthen their enamel.

Eat Healthy: A well-balanced diet that is limited in sugars and starches will help to protect your child’s teeth from decay. Instead, choose plenty of fruits and vegetables for a healthy smile.

Combat Tooth Decay

In addition to prevention at home, your dentist can also help to protect your child’s smile from damage with dental sealants and fluoride varnishes. With a proactive plan, you can help to save your child’s teeth from tooth decay.

About Northampton Pediatric Dentistry PC

Northampton Pediatric Dentistry PC is committed to creating healthy smiles for our young patients. With preventive care, we can help to protect their teeth from tooth decay. Contact our office today to schedule your child’s cleaning and checkup.