Denver Pediatric Dentist Aids Cavity Prevention Among Kids

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that many children across the United States still suffer from tooth decay today, with roughly 60 percent of children aged six to eight having at least one cavity. What makes this statistic more glaring is that this is happening despite the increase in the number of people getting dental insurance.
It is no secret that a diet loaded with sugary treats and drinks can lead to more cavities on children’s teeth. What you might not know is that sour treats also speed up the tooth decay process due to their high acidic content. With that in mind, reducing the amount of tooth-rotting treats in your children’s diet can go a long way towards preserving their oral health.

Of course, monitoring what your child eats can only do so much. Fortunately, there are many other steps you can take to prevent cavities. These include:

Proper Brushing of Teeth

Ask any experienced Denver dentist and (s)he will tell you that the best way to prevent cavities is to brush your teeth properly. Remind your child to gently brush the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of their teeth using quick and short back-and-forth strokes.

While it is advised to brush teeth after every meal, tell your child to wait at least 30 minutes before doing so. The acidic content of a meal leaves enamel softer than it usually is, oftentimes soft enough to be scraped away by toothbrush bristles.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surface of teeth. These act as a shield that prevents food particles from accumulating in the grooves of teeth. As a result, bacteria are unable to feed on these food particles and produce the acid that causes cavities. A respected Denver pediatric dentist, like one from Cody Dental Group, offers this service along with other measures that can help protect your children’s teeth, whether temporary or permanent.

Take Advantage of Fluoridated Water

Denver’s water supply naturally contains fluoride, with supplementation done at water treatment plans as may be needed. This is important as fluoride stimulates the re-mineralization of enamel. In other words, exposure to fluoride allows the enamel to recoat and harden itself.

(Source: What Foods Cause Tooth Decay in Children?; Academy of General Dentistry)