Kids Dentistry

Preventive Care

What about Preventive Care?

Tooth decay and children no longer go hand in hand. At our office we are concerned with all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest in dental sealant technology to protect your child's teeth. Dental sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of the decay-prone permanent teeth. This is just one of the ways we set the foundation for your child's lifetime of good oral health.  Dr. Finney will discuss not using bottles filled with milk or juice or sweetened drinks at bedtime to prevent baby bottle caries; thumb sucking, appropriate snacks, cleaning the teeth of your baby/toddler/child. and any other questions you might have.

               Cavity Prevention                                                Cavity Causes

  Tips for cavity prevention

  • Limit frequency of meals and snacks.
  • Encourage brushing and  flossing. 
  • Watch what your child drinks.
  • Avoid giving your child sticky foods.
  • Make treats part of meals.
  • Choose nutritious snacks.
Most of the time cavities are due to a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing and flossing.
 
Recent research has also shown other factors contribute to cavities:
 
• There is a genetic link to cavities and oral health.  If your parents had many cavities, your risk is increased.
 
• Consistency of saliva  makes a difference; thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly. 
 
• Children are not born with decay-causing bacteria, but bacteria can be readily transferrred to their mouths.   For this reason,  avoid putting an item in your mouth and then putting that item in your baby's/child's mouth. 

How are Cavities Actually Formed?

Every time you eat, an acid reaction occurs inside your mouth as the bacteria digests the sugars. This reaction lasts approximately 20 minutes. During this time the acid environment can destroy the tooth structure, eventually leading to cavities.  This is why frequent snacking or drinking sweets liquids can easily lead to decay. 
 
Remember: limiting sugar intake, brushing properly and flossing regularly are  key defenses in disrupting this acid environment and fighting cavities.