Our Family Dentist in Peoria Shows how Tooth Decay can Quickly Harm Your Child's Smile
It's surprising how fast tooth decay sneaks up on someone, especially children. Complete proper dental care is necessary to avoid cavities and even skipping out on brushing your teeth once in a while can contribute to bacteria building up in between your teeth. To be more aware and informed about how to prevent tooth decay in your children, our family dentist in Peoria IL has the tips for you!
When your child consumes something sugary or salty, the bacteria from those items are immediately attacking their teeth. The bacteria is producing acids that are attempting to break down the tooth enamel, which is the protective outer surface of a tooth. If this continues to happen without proper care, then it can lead to serious tooth decay. Saliva is also having a difficult time doing its job to produce minerals that coat the enamel because the foods or drinks are preventing it.
Cutting out the harmful foods and drinks from a child’s diet is one of the best things to do to protect their teeth. Instead of giving them sweet and salty treats, replace them with fresh fruits and veggies that will only strengthen their teeth and allow them to grow better.
Making sure that your children keep up with brushing their teeth twice a day is one of the most important factors to keeping up their oral health. Between the ages of 2 and 6, parents should be helping their children brush their teeth and showing them how long they should be brushing, the proper techniques, and why it’s so important to brush that way. Choosing the proper toothpaste is the key, as well. Make sure the toothpaste you choose has fluoride in it because works to prevent mineral loss in the enamel while also replacing lost minerals and also reduces the ability for the bacteria from foods and drinks to create acids that attack your teeth.
To save your children’s teeth from suffering, try to limit the amount of snacks that they have, limit any harmful juices and drinks that have a lot of sugar, and make sure your child doesn’t eat or drink anything with sugar in it after they’ve brushed their teeth for the night.
If you want to learn more ways to protect your children’s teeth, contact our family dentist in Peoria IL by calling (309) 688-7321 or requesting an appointment here.
