Adults Have Many Options Today to Get Straighter Teeth

Young children are more vulnerable to developing tooth decay than older kids, teens and adults are. Baby teeth are more susceptible to cavities than permanent teeth are because the enamel is thinner. That's the underlying reason young children develop more tooth decay on average than older persons do. Some behavior factors have a role as well.

Nevertheless, parents usually can prevent tooth decay in these kids with proper oral hygiene and regular dental care. Yet many youngsters still experience cavities, sometimes in numerous teeth. A change in habits and choosing some preventive services at a pediatric dental clinic can help.

Avoid Sugary Beverages

Parents might make a habit of letting a toddler sip on a bottle with fruit juice or milk because it keeps the child calmer. Doing this routinely throughout the day can easily cause cavities because of the sugar in these beverages. Not everyone realizes that all milk contains sugar. A pediatric dentist would offer other healthier alternatives. 

Attend Regular Checkups

Parents should never skip children's dental checkups. If tooth decay is not treated soon enough, it worsens relatively quickly because of the thinner enamel. It also spreads more easily to the child's adjacent teeth as compared with permanent teeth. This can become painful for the youngster.

Consider Fluoride Treatments

Children should brush with fluoride paste since that has significant strengthening effects for enamel. When toddlers and kids of elementary school age have problems with cavities, pediatric dentists may recommend fluoride treatments. Fluoride varnish is brushed on and hardens rapidly. It can be brushed off several hours later. In the meantime, the varnish strengthens the enamel and can even reverse tiny areas of decay. 

Add Sealants

Sealants for the back teeth also help prevent decay where children have more trouble brushing effectively. Dentists and dental hygienists paint these coatings over the crevices on top. The sealants now act as shields. These protective coatings last for many years, but they can break down sooner if the child regularly munches on hard foods. They also gradually become less effective as tiny bits chip away. For most youngsters, the sealants will work until the primary teeth fall out.

By being diligent about oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental checkups, parents can make substantial progress toward preventing tooth decay in their children. Sealants and fluoride treatments may be advisable. The youngsters will not have to deal with cavity-related discomfort or dental treatments for eradicating decayed areas from the teeth.