“My 8 year old child is diligent about brushing her teeth, does not eat much candy or sugary foods, but seems to still develop cavities quite easily. What could be the problem?
The first thing to note is that you are not alone with this issue and we see it more often then we’d like. The primary reason why children have a higher chance of developing new cavities is that their teeth are not fully developed yet. Because they are still developing, they are less mineralized and therefore softer than an adult’s teeth. It is important to understand that your child’s teeth will not be fully developed until they are in their late teens.
Here are a couple tips on what you can do now to help avoid this:
- Supervise your child’s brushing to ensure they are effectively brushing their teeth. Pay close attention to the area where the teeth and gums meet to make certain all food particles are being removed. This will help protect the gums and prevent tooth decay from forming along the gum line.
- Make flossing a habit. Creating a habit of flossing is imperative to the overall health of your child’s teeth. One way that many parents find effective for getting their children to floss regularly is to have them floss while watching a favourite TV or movie.
- Apply dental sealant. Sealants can be utilized and applied to adult molars to help prevent tooth decay from forming on the chewing surface of the teeth.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings and fluoride treatments. It is recommended that you bring your child in every 6 months for a regular dental check-up and cleaning. Speak to your dentist about starting a regular fluoride program.
Speak to your dentist for more detailed information regarding keeping your child’s teeth strong and healthy. To schedule an appointment for your child or any member of your family contact our clinic today.
