Could Your Kids Be Struggling with Cavities?

As a parent, you likely do all you can to help keep your kids both healthy and happy. From making them eat their vegetables, to wearing helmets when they ride their bikes, a parent’s job is never done, especially when it comes to protecting one’s kids. Fortunately, when it comes to preventing and treating cavities, dental care is not complicated. A few healthy habits can help you protect your kids’ smiles. If they are diagnosed with cavities, minimally invasive treatment could likely help to restore their oral health, quickly, while preventing painful infections or even the premature loss of teeth.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Routine dental visits are one of the best ways to protect your kids’ teeth. Most dentists recommend scheduling checkups and cleanings at least twice a year, though some kids may find that more frequent cleanings with the family dentist are actually necessary to adequately protect against cavities. Many factors can increase one’ s risk of developing cavities, including dietary choices, genetic factors, and hygiene practices.

Brushing and flossing daily, at home, can also protect the teeth and gums. So make sure your kids learn from an early age how to care for their own teeth, with help until they have the dexterity to brush and floss alone.

Know the Warning Signs of Cavities

Of course, even with regular care, your kids may still struggle with dental caries. Nearly 30 percent of school-aged children are believed to suffer from cavities. Prompt treatment is key to preventing worsening discomfort or even infection, so knowing the warning signs of cavities can be extremely beneficial for parents. Early indicators of dental cavities include:

• Heightened tooth sensitivity, which might cause your kid’s tastes to seemingly change (for instance, he or she might want to avoid sweets, cold or hot items because of sensitivity when consuming them)
• Noticeable discoloration, like white patches on the surface of the teeth or grey or black marks, which could indicate enamel erosion

Chronic dry mouth or bad breath, both of which can be symptoms and/or causes of several dental health issues

Ready to schedule a preventive appointment?

Dr. Tran, Dr. Hoang , and their friendly staff, provides a host of dental services, including preventive checkups and cleanings. You can schedule a cleaning by calling 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE) to experience our compassionate, effective, and individualized care. We proudly serve patients from Dallas and the surrounding communities, including Mesquite, Balch Springs, Garland, and Seagoville.