Does Your Child Need a Dentist?
I often get asked, “My child brushes but still gets cavities!”
The answer is – it depends on multiple factors.
Simply put, the best method to prevent tooth decay in children is through good overall health that includes brushing teeth at least twice a day and following a nutritious diet. But factors such as medical history, genetics, socioeconomic status, living conditions all contribute and play important roles in oral health of children.
There are a lot of issues that can go undiagnosed and if not detected early, can be very harmful to a developing child’s dentition.
That’s why at my office, we emphasize regular exams where we can identify and treat tooth decay at an early stage.
Signs of dental decay
So what do the signs of tooth decay look like? Tooth decay may appear as the following:
- early signs – fill, white band on the tooth surface closest to the gum line
- progressing signs – brownish or black band on the tooth surface closest to the gum line
- advanced signs – brownish-black stumps
Dental Health for Kids
Setting strong oral care habits early is important. Show your child how to properly brush the front surfaces, back surfaces and chewing surfaces of their teeth. Give them a flossing lesson too! Play a brushing song and make sure they brush for at least 2 minutes.
Please use a fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride helps to strengthen the tooth enamel and has been shown to reduce tooth decay by 18-40% among children and by nearly 35% among adults!
Regular Check-Ups
Receiving regular dental check-ups and cleanings is an essential part of preventing tooth decay in children. The sooner we are able to assess your child’s smile and identify potential tooth decay, the quicker we will be able to treat the condition and prevent it from progressing.
Depending on the child’s age, dental check-ups should occur anywhere from once every 3 months to once every 6 months.
Learn more about what we do for our young patients, here.
Kids Dentistry
As Scarborough’s top family and children’s dentist, our office is welcoming and comforting.
If you are seeking a dentist for kids in Scarborough, we would love to meet you! We are open till late on weekdays and every Saturday.
Reach out to us today or request an appointment with us to see why THE SMILE TEAM is your top dental clinic for you and your child.