How does a cavity develop?
When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently for example foods or drinks containing sugar and starches, the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. A white spot may appear where minerals have been lost. This is a sign of early decay.
If very small tooth decay can be arrested at this point. Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste.
But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals will be lost leading to the enamel becoming weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity. A cavity is permanent damage that a dentist has to repair with a restoration.
How can we help teeth win the tug of war and avoid a cavity?
Use of fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that can prevent tooth decay from progressing. It can even reverse, or stop, early tooth decay.
Fluoride works to protect teeth.
Your child's diet is crucial in preventing a cavity. Every time we eat or drink something that contains sugar or starches, bacteria in our mouth use the sugar and starch to produce acids. These acids begin to eat away at the tooth's tooth structure.
Our saliva can help fight off this acid attack. But if we eat frequently throughout the day (especially foods and drinks containing sugar and starches), the repeated acid attacks will win the tug of war. Eventually causing the tooth to lose minerals and develop a cavity.
That's why it's important to keep an eye on how often your children eat as well as what they eat and drink.
Tooth-friendly tips:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for brushing an infant’s or child’s teeth.
Brush twice a day (morning and night) for at least 2 minutes.
Use toothpaste with fluoride that the child likes (there are many flavours now available).
Also there are now toothpastes with specific levels of fluoride that are appropriate for your child's age.
◦For children under age 3: Use a small smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of 2 grains of rice).
◦For children ages 3–6: Use a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste.
◦ The fluoride in toothpaste is ideally not swallowed, make sure to help or watch the child while brushing.
We normally say that from around 6 years onwards your child can use adult toothpastes and mouthwashes, but please always seek the advice of your dental professional beforehand.
When he/she is old enough, tell him/her to spit out the toothpaste after brushing.
Children in general do not get their fully manual dexterity till around 6-7 years old.
We would always encourage patients to make tooth brushing a fun occasion (there are lots of apps and youtube videos that will help with this). We also recommend that as your child is learning to brush that parents also go over and brush their child's tooth afterwards to make sure a thorough clean has been performed.
We have no preference on manual or electric toothbrush (the benefit of the electric is that if you apply too much pressure it will stop). Just make sure the handle of the brush is ergonomically designed for your child and that the bristles are changed at least every 3 months.
The below link will give you some more advice or do not hesitate to ask us:
https://healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/Toothbrushing-Tips-for-Young-Children.aspx
When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently for example foods or drinks containing sugar and starches, the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. A white spot may appear where minerals have been lost. This is a sign of early decay.
If very small tooth decay can be arrested at this point. Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste.
But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals will be lost leading to the enamel becoming weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity. A cavity is permanent damage that a dentist has to repair with a restoration.
How can we help teeth win the tug of war and avoid a cavity?
Use of fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that can prevent tooth decay from progressing. It can even reverse, or stop, early tooth decay.
Fluoride works to protect teeth.
- prevents mineral loss in tooth enamel and replaces lost minerals.
- reduces the ability of bacteria to make acid.
- Using a fluoride toothpaste, varnish and mouthwash.
- The water in your area may also be fluoridated (please check with your local water company).
- Apply a fluoride gel or varnish to tooth surfaces.
- Prescribe fluoride tablets (the dosages will vary depending on your child's age).
- Recommend using a fluoride mouth rinse.
Your child's diet is crucial in preventing a cavity. Every time we eat or drink something that contains sugar or starches, bacteria in our mouth use the sugar and starch to produce acids. These acids begin to eat away at the tooth's tooth structure.
Our saliva can help fight off this acid attack. But if we eat frequently throughout the day (especially foods and drinks containing sugar and starches), the repeated acid attacks will win the tug of war. Eventually causing the tooth to lose minerals and develop a cavity.
That's why it's important to keep an eye on how often your children eat as well as what they eat and drink.
Tooth-friendly tips:
- Limit snacks between meals. This reduces the number of acid attacks on teeth and gives teeth a chance to repair themselves.
- Save sweets, cookies, fizzy drinks, and other sugary foods for special occasions
- Limit fruit juice as these contain sugars also.
- Make sure your child doesn't eat or drink anything with sugar in it after bedtime tooth brushing.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for brushing an infant’s or child’s teeth.
Brush twice a day (morning and night) for at least 2 minutes.
Use toothpaste with fluoride that the child likes (there are many flavours now available).
Also there are now toothpastes with specific levels of fluoride that are appropriate for your child's age.
◦For children under age 3: Use a small smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of 2 grains of rice).
◦For children ages 3–6: Use a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste.
◦ The fluoride in toothpaste is ideally not swallowed, make sure to help or watch the child while brushing.
We normally say that from around 6 years onwards your child can use adult toothpastes and mouthwashes, but please always seek the advice of your dental professional beforehand.
When he/she is old enough, tell him/her to spit out the toothpaste after brushing.
Children in general do not get their fully manual dexterity till around 6-7 years old.
We would always encourage patients to make tooth brushing a fun occasion (there are lots of apps and youtube videos that will help with this). We also recommend that as your child is learning to brush that parents also go over and brush their child's tooth afterwards to make sure a thorough clean has been performed.
We have no preference on manual or electric toothbrush (the benefit of the electric is that if you apply too much pressure it will stop). Just make sure the handle of the brush is ergonomically designed for your child and that the bristles are changed at least every 3 months.
The below link will give you some more advice or do not hesitate to ask us:
https://healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/Toothbrushing-Tips-for-Young-Children.aspx