Studies show that about half of children ages 6-11 have cavities, and nearly a third of those cases are untreated. But these statistics can change for the better if you and your child know how to take care of the teeth and gums.
At Dentistry for Children in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada, board-certified pediatric dentist Maryam Sina, DDS, and our team practice the highest level of care for your child’s dental needs. We perform cavity fillings, but we like to help kids avoid cavities in the first place.
The cause of cavities
Tooth decay causes cavities. It breaks down the tooth enamel that protects your teeth. The decay can lead to a cavity, which forms a hole in your tooth.
Tooth decay comes mostly from bacteria in your mouth that form when you eat certain foods containing carbohydrates, including:
- Sugary drinks
- Bread
- Cereal
- Candy
- Cake
- Milk
Sugary or starchy foods left on your child’s teeth can wreak havoc. When you combine saliva, food, acids, and bacteria, plaque starts to develop and stick to their teeth. Over time, they end up with cavities.
That’s why you want your child to practice good oral hygiene.
Symptoms of cavities
You can’t always tell that you have a cavity. When you schedule your child’s regular checkups with Dr. Sina and our team, we can watch for cavities possibly forming to help keep your child’s oral health strong.
If a cavity has developed, signs to look for include:
- A toothache
- Sensitivity in or around the tooth
- Pain when they eat or drink anything hot, cold, or sweet
- Holes in their teeth
- Pain when they bite into food
- White, brown or black stains on the surface of their tooth
We can treat your child’s cavities, but we’d rather help you avoid them.
Preventing cavities
You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day, and that goes for young people too. And don’t forget to get your child a new toothbrush every 3-4 months for effective brushing. And while it’s not easy, you also want to limit how much sugar your child consumes.
Adopting good oral hygiene habits early can help your child take care of their teeth and gums properly and, ideally, keep them cavity-free.
Don’t overlook the importance of establishing regular checkups for your child at Dentistry for Children. If we see the beginning stages of tooth decay, we offer a fluoride treatment that can protect your child’s teeth and help prevent them from developing cavities.
To schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentistry team, call us at our Las Vegas or Henderson office today. If you have questions or concerns before you come in, feel free to send us a message.
