How a Kids Dentist Helps Prevent Childhood Tooth Decay

Cavities are among the most common childhood health problems a kids dentist treats. Also known as tooth decay, cavities can be more frequent in children, leading to several negative oral health problems. Luckily, tooth decay in childhood is preventable, and a pediatric dentist can help.

The importance of childhood tooth decay prevention

If left untreated, tooth decay can cause trouble for children. Cavities can worsen, go beyond the enamel, and cause tooth pain and infection. Tooth decay can even lead to tooth loss and irritation of the gums. Fortunately, a kids' dentist can treat childhood cavities with dental fillings, saving the tooth and preventing the cavity from spreading. Though getting a dental filling is a minor procedure, most children would still rather avoid it if possible.

Ways a kids dentist helps with cavity prevention

Though there is no way to 100% guarantee that a child will never need a cavity filled, parents want to know they are doing all they can to help their kids prevent tooth decay. Here is a look at the major ways a kids dentist can help.

Regular checkups

Kids should start seeing a dentist after their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. Kids who see a pediatric dentist once every six months are more likely to avoid developing cavities. During these regular visits, a kids dentist can remove cavity-causing plaque and tartar buildup and catch early signs of tooth decay. In addition, they can recommend additional cavity prevention treatments.

Flouride treatments

Flouride treatments are one such treatment and typically involve painting a fluoride varnish on the child’s teeth. These treatments are often part of a child’s routine dental appointment, but recommendations on how frequently a child should have a fluoride treatment will vary based on the child’s age and circumstances. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids receive fluoride varnish 2 to 4 times a year until age 5.

Dental sealants

Both baby molars and newly erupted adult molars can have deep pits and fissures on their biting surfaces. These create hard-to-reach surfaces where cavity-causing plaque and bacteria can collect. To prevent this, a kids dentist will apply dental sealants to the biting surfaces of these molars. The dentist paints a thin plastic coating over the top of the molars that fills in the deep pits and fissures, keeping plaque and bacteria out.

Dental education

In addition to these key cavity prevention treatments, a pediatric dentist can advise parents and children on good home oral hygiene. Pediatric dentists are knowledgeable about the causes of tooth decay in children and can offer some of the best advice on prevention. They are also highly skilled at building rapport with children, not only making kids feel comfortable but also instilling in them an enthusiasm for dental care.