Our teeth serve multiple purposes. Despite popular belief, we use our teeth for more than just chewing our food. When our jaws are still developing into their final shapes, our baby teeth serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth that will eventually replace them.
Unfortunately, teeth cannot be changed after they have fully developed, unlike hair and fingernails. A child’s jaw is too small to accommodate a full set of 32 adult teeth. Because our jaws naturally enlarge and contract over time, we need to replace both sets of teeth with which a Bristol dentist can help.
How can I know if my kid has cavities?
It is vital to take your baby in for checkups frequently since deterioration in baby teeth can sometimes go undetected until it is too late. Some apparent symptoms of tooth decay that need to be addressed right away include:
- Small white patches appear on the teeth near the gums.
- Teeth discoloration can range from brown to black.
- Toothache or discomfort in the gums
- Intolerance to various temperatures in food and drink
When primary teeth decay, how does it influence permanent teeth?
A decayed and cavity-filled mouth has a significant number of microorganisms. By the time a child reaches age 6, their permanent teeth have begun to erupt, and they are vulnerable to infection from the same bacteria that caused cavities in their baby teeth.
If left untreated, baby tooth decay can spread through the root canals and into the underlying bone. The body’s reaction to an acidic environment around an emerging permanent tooth varies with the child’s age and the tooth’s stage of development.
How can I help my child avoid getting cavities?
Most cases of tooth decay can be avoided by practicing good oral hygiene and eating healthy foods. Here are some things you can do to protect your child’s teeth from cavities:
- Develop Good Habits
Your youngster should begin brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts. Using a soft bristle toothbrush, clean your child’s teeth, tongue, and gums twice a day.
- Utilize Fluoride-Containing Items
Tooth decay can be avoided with the use of fluoride. It works to fortify teeth, make them more resistant to acid, and prevent cavities from occurring. Thankfully, fluoride is present in the tap water of most homes.
- Keep Your Diet in Check
Give your kid a healthy, well-rounded diet. Restrict your consumption of sugary and greasy snacks like chips, candies, cookies, and cake.
- Beware of Sugary Beverages Before Bed
Only use water in the bottle if your child drinks from it at bedtime. Sugars in juice or infant formula can accelerate tooth decay. Do you know what bottle rot is? It is preferable to avoid letting the sugars sit on your kid’s gums if at all possible.