Are you worried that you may be putting your children’s teeth at risk by not knowing enough about dental care? Unfortunately, dental education is not widespread in Britain and many parents still think that baby cavities are unimportant or cannot hinder their children’s oral health development. However, studies have shown that children with tooth decay in their baby teeth are more likely to experience the same problems when they grow up, while premature tooth loss can even lead to serious alignment problems.
At Smilemakers, we firmly believe that preventive dentistry is really important from an early age and for this reason we encourage our patients to bring their children to the dentist in Stevenage as soon as their first teeth appear. Good oral health stems from a combination of factors including daily oral hygiene, frequent visits to the dentist in Stevenage and great oral habits. Children who visit the dentist consistently from a young age are more likely to develop a great oral care routine and experience fewer problems down the road.
Is tooth decay a serious risk?
All children are at risk of developing tooth decay and cavities, even if they follow a great oral care routine. Just because you cannot see tooth decay, it doesn’t mean that it is not there. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria and sugars mix in the mouth, forming acid. This acid affects the tooth enamel and can even lead to the creation of cavities. During its early stage, tooth decay is not painful and does not exhibit many symptoms. Your dentist will look for signs of demineralisation such as white spots on your children’s teeth. At this stage, tooth decay can be prevented or reversed with the introduction of minerals to the teeth through fluoride treatment and a healthy diet.
Preventing tooth decay
To prevent tooth decay in young children, you should always schedule a visit with the dentist in Stevenage as soon as their first teeth appear. Your dentist will recommend various prevention strategies including remineralisation with fluoride or dental sealants. They will also stress the importance of healthy eating habits and a limited intake of sugar.
