As a parent, you want your child to be able to have all the tools and knowledge they need to take care of their growing pearly whites. With Halloween just around the corner and the holidays closely following, the last thing that you want is a household ridden with cavities and other oral health problems. Here are some tips from a pediatric dentist on how to keep developing teeth happy and healthy over the holidays.
How Do Cavities Form?
Cavities in children are notorious for progressing rapidly and causing discomfort, which is why they’re a huge fear of many parents. They’re the most common chronic childhood disease, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and are five times more common than asthma and 20 times more than diabetes.
Cavities begin to form because of the accumulation of harmful oral bacteria in their mouth. These bacteria feed off of sugar found in plaque and produce harmful waste such as acid and toxins. The acid causes enamel erosion, leaving their natural teeth defenseless against decay, resulting in the formation of cavities. When they’re left untreated, they can have a lasting impact on their development and overall health by causing premature tooth loss.
When Should Your Child Start Visiting A Dentist?
Routine preventive care such as checkups and cleanings from your pediatric dentist should be started early, by the time their first tooth grows in. Around Halloween time, children are consuming more sweets, which increases their risk of developing cavities. In fact, about 28 percent of children from ages two to five have cavities, according to The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
The best way to combat common health problems that appear early is to schedule routine checkups and cleanings with their pediatric dentist. That way, they can treat any developing decay before it results in serious issues like pain and tooth loss. The ideal time to do this is around or before the holidays, when you know your child will be eating more sweets than typical. That way, you can rest assured that they have a clean bill of health.
Halloween Candy Tips To Protect Your Child’s Smile
Protecting your little one’s teeth over the holidays is easier than you may think. Since you’re their number one role model, they’ll be looking at you for guidance so they can develop good habits. Set a good example and build an oral health-positive environment for them this Halloween by:
- Encouraging substituting sugary drinks for water.
- Substituting healthy snacks that are good for their oral health, like sliced apples, whenever they’re craving something sweet.
- Get them preventive treatments such as dental sealants and fluoride treatment, to protect their teeth from decay.
- Get them excited about taking care of their smile by taking them to pick out their own oral hygiene products.
- Avoid letting them eat chewy and sticky sweets.
With these measures in place paired with professional preventive care, you can optimize your little one’s oral health and make sure they remain cavity-free. They’ll thank you when they have a beautiful and healthy grin to show off as an adult!
About the Author
Dr. Lily is a board-certified pediatric dentist that loves helping children learn how to take care of their small pearly whites. Since college, she has been passionate about helping young patients with special needs and providing them with the high-quality and attentive care they deserve. She is an active member of several professional organizations including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in her field. For questions or to schedule a routine checkup and cleaning before the holidays, visit Shiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry’s website or call 469-925-0861.