Pediatric dentistry focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating oral health concerns in children who still have their baby teeth. This review closely examines what parents and the pediatric dentistry team can do to protect baby teeth from cavities, dental trauma, and other forms of damage.
Caring for baby teeth should involve brushing and flossing regularly, limiting the consumption of carbohydrates, and regular dental cleanings. In addition, dental sealants and mouthguards are great preventive strategies to protect against cavities and dental trauma.
The simplest and most imperative way to protect baby teeth from cavities is to ensure the child brushes multiple times a day, or their parent brushes their teeth for them. It is also strongly encouraged to floss their teeth once daily. The pediatric dentist will provide information on how to brush and floss properly. Be sure to reach all areas of teeth to avoid cavities in hard-to-reach areas.
Sugar and other carbohydrates are notorious for their contribution to cavities. This is especially the case with baby teeth, as they are more prone to cavities due to their thinner layer of enamel. Subsequently, it is strongly encouraged to limit the consumption of sugar. Notably, it is best to stay away from sugar-filled beverages inside of a baby bottle as these can increase the likelihood of baby bottle tooth decay.
Dental cleanings are another great defense against cavities and teeth stains for baby teeth. Dental cleanings should occur every four to six months to help prevent an accumulation of plaque and tartar on the surface of teeth and along the gum line.
Dental sealants can help protect baby teeth from cavities in the most vulnerable areas, which are the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. Sealants are plastic coatings that are safely and non-invasively placed in the office.
Pediatric dentists strongly recommend a mouthguard for children who play a contact sport or are physically active in other (potentially dangerous) ways. In addition, wearing a mouthguard helps protect in the event a blow to the mouth occurs, which could lead to one or more damaged, loose, or knocked-out teeth and the need for restorative treatment.
Lastly, during your child’s oral care routine each day, check their teeth for any signs of worn enamel (and teeth them how to check as well). If any concerns are detected, notify the pediatric dentist.
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You can reach our pediatric dentistry team to discuss your child’s oral health and schedule a visit. We help parents develop a cavity prevention plan for their child’s baby teeth. In addition to preventive and diagnostic services, we help restore baby teeth after issues such as cavities, teeth cracks, and more develop.
Request an appointment or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at 845-363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
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