As a parent, one of your main goals is to fortify your child’s oral health so that he or she can get off to the right start. Thus, you want to be well-informed about any possible dangers. So your child can avoid any pitfalls, your dentist for toddlers in Fitchburg discusses the main threat to your little one’s oral health, and you’ll learn about some preventive steps that can be taken!
The Bacteria Problem
The primary threat to your child’s oral health is the growth of bacteria. These microorganisms are always present, but they become more problematic when there is leftover debris in your child’s mouth from food or beverages.
The bacteria are always lurking, and when they feed on and digest the leftovers, they release caustic acids that can eventually cause tooth decay.
The Warning Signs of Tooth Decay
One of the best ways to combat poor oral health is with early detection and treatment. So here are some warning signs to be on the lookout for:
- White spots on the teeth that represent the enamel beginning to break down
- Light brown spots that represents deeper penetration into the enamel
- A darker brown to black shade that indicates the cavity has penetrated even deeper, which may also lead to pain in the area around the tooth
- Sensitivity to sweets and hot or cold beverages
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to reach out to your pediatric dentist to have your child examined.
The Importance of Preventive Care
As the old axiom states, “An ounce of prevention is worth more than 10 pounds of cure.” Thus, it’s of the utmost importance for your child to visit your pediatric dentist every six months for preventive care.
At the first visit, X-rays will be taken to establish a baseline for your little one’s oral health. Then, a dental hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning to remove any plaque and tartar that have accumulated.
The next step is an examination that will identify any developing threats to your child’s oral health. With early detection, less invasive measures can be taken to reverse the situation, such as:
- Brushing and flossing at least two times a day
- Improving the quality of foods eaten and lessening your child’s sugar intake
- No sharing of food utensils to limit the growth of bacteria
- Eliminating juice before bedtime and replacing it with water to lessen nighttime bacteria accumulation
Now that you’re better informed about how to limit the growth of bacteria, and you have a strategy for how to protect your child’s teeth, the next step is to reach out to your pediatric dentist in Fitchburg to schedule a preventive care visit today.
By being proactive, you can rest assured that your little one is protected!
About the Author
Dr. Derek Leung is board-certified from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and along with providing top-notch pediatric dental care, he is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Tufts University. Additionally, Dr. Leung maintains professional affiliation with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, which further enhances the care he provides for children at Simply Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry. He can be reached for more information through his website.