Did you know that the most prevalent disease in children and adults has nothing to do with a virus, such as the common cold or the flu? The most common disease is tooth decay. Here is some information about the prevalence of tooth decay and how to prevent your children from getting it.
What Is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay comes from bacteria. There are several types of bacteria in your mouth - both helpful and harmful. The helpful bacteria begin the digestion process for your food so that your body can use the food as energy. The harmful bacteria create tooth decay by sticking to your teeth. The acids in the bacteria can bore holes in the tooth enamel. Those holes become cavities once the holes bore into the next layer of your teeth.
Tooth decay is so common in children that nearly 75 percent of children have at least one cavity before they become adults. If at all possible, you need to have the teeth remain cavity-free because once a tooth gets a cavity, it is not as strong as it was before the cavity. No matter how quickly you get the cavity filled, the tooth strength has been compromised.
Preventing Cavities
While cavities are a huge problem in children, you can help your child stay cavity-free. First, make sure your child is brushing and flossing twice a day every day. Monitor young children to make sure they are brushing for two minutes and make sure they are brushing the front and back of each tooth. There are child-size flossers with thicker handles that make it easy for children to grip.
Second, bring your children to our dentist twice a year. That way, our dentist and dental hygienists can check and clean their teeth. They should be able to spot cavities or areas of concern before they become problem areas. For example, once the first molars come in, our dentist may notice they have deep pits or grooves that can be sealed to prevent cavities. If it has been a while since your children were at the dentist, why not call our office today to make an appointment for them?
About Our Katy Dental Office | Wilson Dentistry Looking for a trusted dentist in Katy? We have 2 of the best! Click here now to learn more about Dr. Wilson, Dr. Boecker, and our dental team! Wilson Dentistry, 23020 Highland Knolls Dr. #B, Katy, TX 77494 | (346) 340-5440 | wilsondentistrytx.com | 10/3/2024 | Page Terms:dentist katy |
Did you know that the most prevalent disease in children and adults has nothing to do with a virus, such as the common cold or the flu? The most common disease is tooth decay. Here is some information about the prevalence of tooth decay and how to prevent your children from getting it.