Cavities are permanently damaged areas that turn into tiny holes. Developing a cavity isn’t unusual, and many parents assume that it’s no big deal if their children develop tooth decay in their primary teeth. But that’s an erroneous assumption. Left untreated by a dental professional, a cavity can turn into the cause of a toothache, an infection or the premature loss of a primary tooth. A “baby tooth” lost too soon can easily set the stage for complications for the eruption of the adult tooth under it and surrounding teeth.
Tooth decay is the most widespread oral health problem in the United States. Without treatment, it can result in serious consequences to your child’s dental health. That’s why steady preventive visits to the offices of Great Smiles Pediatric and Orthodontics will help keep your child’s smile healthy and beautiful. And should he (or she) develop a cavity, we will treat it swiftly and efficiently.
Though cavities can pop up at any age, children are especially susceptible. When we clean youngsters’ teeth, we remove any plaque buildup they may have missed with their toothbrushes. During preventive checkups, we meticulously inspect the teeth for the earliest signs of decay. With early detection, we can deliver the most precise, gentle and straightforward courses of care. We make our youngest patients’ visits informative and engaging, and we provide extra protection against cavities with dental sealants and fluoride treatments.
Plaque is the main cause of cavities. This sticky film constantly forms and gathers in our mouths. The bacteria in plaque use acids to digest the sugar in the foods we eat. In turn, those acids wear away tooth enamel and are the harbingers of cavities. That’s why it’s important to make sure that your child brushes at least twice a day, limits his intake of sweets and visits our office for thorough cleanings.
At Great Smiles Pediatric and Orthodontics, our goal is to help children enjoy a lifetime of excellent oral health. We provide personalized, comprehensive preventive care to keep their smiles and overall oral health in good physical shape from the start. To learn more or to schedule a checkup, please contact us today. We look forward to finding out how we can help your child’s dental health.
