Five surprising facts about cavities from your children’s dentist in Donvale
One in four children between the ages of 5 and 10 have untreated decay in their baby teeth, according to research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/dental-health]. Yet how much do we really know about the common cavity. Read on to discover five surprising facts about cavities in children, and how you can help keep your little one’s smile healthy.
Cavities can’t be reversed
Cavities are caused when bacteria feeds on sugar on the surface of the tooth, creating an acid that then eats away at the enamel and creates tiny holes in the tooth. Unfortunately, once this has happened, the damage to the enamel cannot be reversed.
Cavities can form at any age
Unfortunately, cavities can start at any age. In fact, they can form on your child’s very first tooth. That’s why it’s important to make an appointment with a children’s dentist in Donvale within six months of those first baby teeth breaking through. Your dentist can then recommend a child-friendly oral health routine and keep an eye on your little one’s tooth development in the years ahead.
It’s not always easy to tell when a child has a cavity
If you wait until your child is in pain to check for cavities, it’s likely that some decay will have already taken hold. Prevention is the best cure for tooth decay, which is why it’s so important that you keep those check-up appointments at your local kids’ dentist in Donvale. Children’s dentists are trained to look for signs of dental decay, and they can examine your child’s mouth up close too. They’ll be able to catch any cavities before they become a problem.
Untreated cavities can cause developmental problems
Untreated cavities can have serious complications at any age, but they can be particularly dangerous in younger mouths. Left untreated, not only will tooth decay cause significant pain and discomfort for your little one, but it can also cause a hole in the baby tooth, destroy the inner pulp or lead to a tooth or gum abscess. Severe tooth decay can even have consequences for your child’s jaw, teeth and speech development.
Cavities require immediate attention from your children’s dentist in Donvale
That’s why it’s best to make an appointment with a dentist as soon as you notice any signs of cavities in your child’s teeth. Your kid’s dentist in Donvale can then prevent further damage and decay and help restore function. They will assess the health of the tooth and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include removing the decayed part or adding a filling. To make an appointment with your friendly children’s dentist in Donvale, or for more advice on how to care for baby teeth, give Holistic Dental Donvale a call at (03) 9842 6675 or email info@holisticdentaldonvale.com.au.
