How Your Child’s Next Cavity Could Be Prevented

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Cavities are no fun for kids, but you can help your child avoid cavities when you bring your child to the dentist in La Grange, KY. It’s also important to help your child maintain good oral hygiene at home. Here’s what you can do to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy and prevent cavities from forming.

What Causes Cavities

Cavities are areas of tooth decay that form in the tooth enamel due to a combination of bacteria in the mouth and poor oral hygiene. If your child eats a lot of sugary foods or consumes a lot of sugary drinks, this can cause cavities. In addition, if your child has a hard time brushing their teeth properly, these poor brushing habits can also cause cavities. As a parent, there are many things you can do to help protect your child from cavities.

Cavity Prevention for Children

Here are some easy things you can do to improve your child’s oral hygiene and hopefully stop your child from developing cavities:

  • Brush their teeth for them. Brush their teeth until they’re able to manipulate a toothbrush well. Many children need their parents to brush their teeth for them until they’re about 7 or 8 years old. Replace your child’s toothbrush every three months, and be sure to brush your child’s teeth for two minutes at a time.
  • Make twice-yearly dentist appointments. Get your child’s teeth cleaned by a professional at least twice per year.
  • Avoid giving your child many sugary drinks and foods. Encourage your child to drink water and eat sugar-free snacks.
  • Consult with the dentist. Ask the dentist what you can do to improve your child’s oral hygiene.

Want to Help Your Child Avoid Cavities? Make An Appointment

At Byrne Family Dentistry, we want to help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums. Call today to make an appointment for preventative dentistry in La Grange, KY.

When Does Your Child Need Fluoride Treatment?

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Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, rocks, and plants. It helps strengthen the enamel of the tooth so that it’s less likely to break down from the sugars and starches that we eat on a regular basis. A fluoride treatment in La Grange, KY will apply the mineral to your child’s teeth to reduce the likelihood of future dental issues, but you might reasonably ask whether they’ll get enough fluoride from their everyday lives. If you’re wondering if this is really necessary or not, we’ll look at the details.

Ask Your Dentist

The biggest reason why your child may need this treatment comes from a change in how we all drink water. If you’re used to drinking bottled water or your community in La Grange doesn’t have fluoride in its tap water, the fluoride that your child is getting from their toothpaste. Most kids only come into contact with a small amount of toothpaste for the first few years of their lives. The less fluoride they get at this age, the more likely they are to suffer from tooth decay in the future.

The Truth of the Treatment: Find a Dentist in La Grange, KY

Fluoride treatments don’t last very long, typically just a few minutes. It’s entirely painless, and it’s a proven way to give your kid the tools they need to build up their enamel. If you’re looking for dentists in La Grange, KY that can provide your little one with regular treatment, Byrne Family Dentistry is here to help. In general, we recommend treatment once every 6 months or so, unless your child has extenuating circumstances (e.g., high risk for tooth decay). Contact our staff today to learn more about what you can expect if you schedule this service.