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If you’re like many parents, seeing your child smile is the highlight of your day. But what you can’t tell just by looking is that those little pearly whites are significantly more vulnerable to cavities than your own. Given kids’ penchant for all things sweet and their still-developing oral hygiene habits, that can spell trouble. Partnering with a pediatric dentist in Dallas can help you and your child steer clear of tooth decay — keep reading to find out how, and why it matters.

Why Are Kids’ Teeth More Vulnerable to Cavities?

Humans are born with two sets of teeth — the primary, which come in beginning around 6 months up until 3 years old. These eventually fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth, a process which starts around age 6 and continues up until 14 or so. Baby teeth are softer and very vulnerable to cavities. Plus, during this phase when the baby teeth are being lost and replaced, the enamel on the permanent teeth is still forming and getting harder. This means it is more vulnerable to developing soft spots when exposed to sugar and acids. Left untreated, these weak spots eventually turn into cavities.

How Can a Pediatric Dentist Help?

A pediatric dentist will recommend that all children visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. These appointments are vital for growing smiles. During a routine cleaning, the hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar that cause cavities and infections. When your pediatric dentist can regularly check in on your little one, potential issues are caught almost as soon as they develop for effective early intervention. They can also provide topical fluoride treatments, which strengthen the tooth enamel to prevent cavities from forming altogether.

Preventing Cavities Is Crucial

Even though your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, preventing cavities is of the utmost importance during childhood. Treatment for cavities can make little ones uncomfortable and, if they are not caught early, may even cause a toothache. Cavity prevention is especially important on their newer permanent teeth, as these will (hopefully) be with them for a lifetime to come!

In addition to visiting your pediatric dentist regularly, make sure you are encouraging these good oral health habits for your child at home, too.

• Brush for two minutes, twice a day
• Use fluoride toothpaste for additional help fighting cavities
• Floss between teeth daily
• Maintain a balanced, nutritious, and low-sugar diet

When was your little one’s last visit to the dentist? Remember the maxim that all teeth are NOT created equal — and that children’s smiles require more preventive care than your own! Book a visit with your pediatric dentist in North Dallas today.

Meet the Practice

Children’s Dental & Orthodontics offers preventive, general, and restorative dental services for children of all ages. To schedule a checkup and cleaning with the children’s dentist Dallas trusts, you are invited to call the office at 469-331-5645.