How Can We Prevent Cavities?
Cavities happen when bacteria and food left on the teeth after
eating are not brushed away. Acid collects on a tooth, softening its enamel until
a hole — or cavity — forms.

Here's how to keep cavities away:
- Start good oral habits early. Teach kids to brush at least twice
a day with fluoride toothpaste and to floss regularly.
- Get enough fluoride.
Regular use of fluoride toughens the enamel, making it harder for acid to penetrate.
Although many towns require tap water to be fluoridated, others don't. If your water
supply is not fluoridated or if your family uses purified water, ask your dentist
for fluoride supplements. Most toothpastes contain fluoride but toothpaste alone will
not fully protect a child's teeth. Be careful, however, since too much fluoride can
cause tooth discoloration. Check with your dentist before supplementing.
- Limit or avoid some foods. Sugary foods, juices, candy (especially
sticky gummy candy, gummy vitamins, or fruit leather or "roll-ups") can erode enamel
and cause cavities. If your kids eat these foods, have them rinse their mouth or brush
their teeth after eating to wash away the sugar. The same goes for taking sweetened
liquid medicines: always have kids rinse or brush afterward.
As your child's permanent teeth grow in, the dentist can help prevent decay by
applying a thin wash of resin (called a sealant) to the back teeth, where most chewing
is done. This protective coating keeps bacteria from settling in the hard-to-reach
crevices of the molars. But make sure that kids know that sealants aren't a replacement
for good brushing and regular flossing.
What Dental Problems Can Happen?
If you are prone to tooth decay or gum disease, your kids might be at higher risk
as well. So sometimes even the best brushing and flossing habits can't prevent a cavity.
Be sure to call your dentist if your child complains of tooth pain, which could be
a sign of a cavity that needs treatment.
New materials mean pediatric dentists have more filling and repair options than
ever. A silver-colored material called amalgam (a special mix of metals) was once
the substance of choice for most fillings in permanent teeth. But now, other
materials like composite resins are becoming popular. Resins bond to the teeth so
the filling won't pop out, and also can be used to rebuild teeth damaged through injury
or conditions like a cleft palate. Because resins are often
tooth-colored, they're considered more attractive.
But in cases of fracture, extensive decay, or malformation of baby teeth, dentists
often opt for stainless steel or ceramic crowns. Crowns maintain the tooth while preventing
the decay from spreading.
In some rare instances, usually when a more complicated dental procedure is to
be done, a dentist will recommend using general anesthesia.
Parents should make sure that the professional who gives the medicine is a trained
anesthesiologist or oral surgeon before agreeing to the procedure. Don't be afraid
ask your dentist questions.
Regular checkups and good dental hygiene can help prevent the need for this kind
of extensive dental work. Also, encourage your kids to use a mouthguard during sports,
which can prevent serious dental injuries.
What Is Orthodontia?
As kids get older, their bite and the straightness of their teeth can become an
issue. Orthodontic treatment begins earlier now than it used to, and braces
have changed too. The embarrassing old gear — a mouth filled with metal wires
and braces — is in the past. Kids as young as age 7 now wear corrective appliances,
and plastic-based (sometimes clear) materials have replaced metal.
Orthodontists know that manipulation of teeth at a younger age can be easier and
more effective in the long run. Younger children's teeth can be positioned with fairly
minor orthodontic devices, preventing major treatment later on.
Looking Ahead
As kids grow, plan on routine dental checkups anywhere from once every 3 months
to once a year, depending on your dentist's recommendations. Keeping sugary foods
in check, encouraging regular brushing and flossing, and working with your dentist
will lead good dental health.