Alpharetta Pediatrics Dentists Talk Preventing Cavities in Kids

    ALPHARETTA, GA, August 30, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- It is a surprise to many parents when their child gets their first cavity. They were sure their kid was practicing good oral hygiene.

The truth is cavities can happen to anyone. When food remains stuck on teeth it feeds the oral bacteria, which leads to a breakdown of the enamel. This is where cavities come from and why it is important for parents to pay attention to the oral habits of their children.

When flossing, a child needs to get all the way to the back of the mouth and every space in between. Developing this as a daily habit will help children the rest of their lives. There are even small flossing picks especially designed for little hands.

On top of regular brushing and flossing, a child's diet is important. Frequent snacking on sticky foods like fruit leather or gummies can increase the likelihood of cavities. Granola bars are another sticky food that can contribute to cavities. Often, children do not notice when very small bits of food are stuck to their teeth, which is a source of cavities in this age group.

The majority of the time, this food sticks between the molars, one of the hardest parts of the mouth to clean. This is where flossing comes in. When a child has teeth that touch on the sides, they should begin flossing. Children as young as 4 years old can be taught to floss properly.

Completely keeping sticky foods out of a child's diet may not be possible. In this case, developing good habits is most important. Parents can model wise choices such as replacing fruit juice beverages with water. Dr. Nanna Ariaban, owner of Polkadot Pediatric Dentistry, an Alpharetta pediatrics practice, tells all of her patients that, "Fruit juice is bad for teeth, even the natural ones."

Dental sealants are another preventative measure.

Of course, it is best to prevent cavities in the first place. If they do happen, Ariaban prefers a proactive approach. "When a small cavity shows up in a child's mouth, I will fill it with a tooth colored resin so that the decay cannot spread," she says.

Learn More:
If you want more information about our dental services visit Polkadot Pediatric Dentistry or call (404) 492-5302.

(c) 2013 Polkadot Dental. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Polkadot Dental, a Johns Creek pediatric for kids practice, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Polkadot Pediatric Dentistry is located in Alpharetta, Ga. Dr. Nanna Ariaban is board certified and a kids dental restoration provider for Johns Creek patients.

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