Keeping Cavities Away
When you’re a kid, the main challenge that stands between you and healthy teeth is cavities.
As a pediatric dentist, Dr. Metcalf wants every patient of Children’s Dentistry of Amarillo to have a future filled with happy, healthy smiles. And our staff knows that one of the best ways to ensure that is by helping kids and parents understand what causes cavities and what they can do to prevent them.
How Cavities Form
Cavities occur when bacteria left in your mouth interacts with sugars and certain carbohydrates to form acids, which trigger demineralization. Demineralization causes your teeth to lose their protective layer of calcium and phosphate, thus weakening their defenses to decay.
Keeping Cavities at Bay
The three main ways you can help your child keep cavities at bay are by:
- Limiting Sweets
- Practicing Good Oral Hygiene
- Regularly Visiting Your Local Pediatric Dentist
Limit Sweets
Cookies, candies, and sodas may be tasty treats, but their sugary composition can lead to cavities. So while it’s okay to have a sweet every now and then, pediatric dentists recommend keeping them from becoming a regular part of your child’s diet.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Our pediatric dentistry works to help both kids and parents understand the importance of developing good oral hygiene habits. As a parent, we encourage you to further boost these habits at home. Make sure your child brushes at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled, child-sized brush.
Regularly Visit Your Local Children’s Dentist
It’s never too early to start bringing your child to a pediatric or family dentist. From early dental care to preventative treatments like dental sealants (which protect grooves in teeth that are prone to trapping bacteria), our kids’ dentist will help safeguard your child’s smile.
So, don’t wait. Schedule your visit with Dr. Metcalf at Children’s Dentistry of Amarillo. Make an appointment today and help your child avoid the development of cavities in the future!