Your Young Child Got Her First Cavity. Now What?

Your daughter’s (or son’s) recent visit to a pedodontist revealed that she has a cavity. You may think it’s unusual for a child that young to develop decay, but it’s not, and there’s no reason to stress out! It may be simply an indication that you need to be more vigilant about her dental hygiene habits. 

We at the office of Turlock Children's Dentistry are dedicated to providing the topmost level of expert and empathetic care for your child. From the front desk to the treatment area, our team will work closely with you to ensure your child’s well-being until he or she makes the transition to a dental provider for adults. 

Take this time to educate yourself about common reasons for tooth decay in toddlers and youngsters, as well as ways to prevent more from forming. 

Causes

Baby bottle tooth decay: Acid-producing bacteria in the oral cavity or an excess of sweet liquids such as breast milk, baby formula and juices get trapped in the mouth. Though baby bottle tooth decay can affect any or all of the teeth, it’s most seen in the upper front teeth. The same can happen in toddlers when they continuously hold on to a bottle or sippy cup that contains soda, fruit juice or milk. 

Poor eating and drinking habits: Babies, toddlers—and most kids, for that matter—gravitate towards sugar. Steer your child away from those foods and beverages. And don’t use sweet treats to bribe them. 

Inadequate expert dental care: Professional care for children’s baby (primary) teeth plays a crucial role in the proper development of their secondary teeth. Your child should see a pedodontist when she is 1 year old or after her first tooth erupts—whichever comes first. Scheduled regular visits so the pedodontist can monitor early indications of tooth decay and provide treatment before it gets worse. 

Help your child establish solid oral care habits:Make brushing her teeth after breakfast and right before bedtime a standard practice. Use positive reinforcement. After every brushing session, praise her for her excellent work. You and/or your spouse (and any other youngsters at home) can make it a group effort in the morning or at night—or both. It will instill a sense of camaraderie and not make your child do it alone.

You can be sure that your son, daughter or all of your children will be in excellent hands at the office of Turlock Children's Dentistry. We are experts at making children feel comfortable and happy during their visits. Please call us today to make an appointment. 

By Turlock Children's Dentistry

July 30, 2024