During childhood, it’s essential to ensure that we manage our oral health responsibly and effectively. Our bodies rapidly develop during this time, and protecting our health is essential. Any part of our health that is poorly tended to can have a lasting impact on our lives. This even applies to temporary features, such as our baby teeth. While it’s true that you will eventually lose these teeth naturally, they serve an essential purpose while they’re present. They aid in developing our jawbones and ensure that our smile will develop straight and strong. Losing these teeth before their time can have a detrimental effect on our adult oral health.
How To Monitor Your Child’s Oral Health For Decay
When a cavity has appeared, a significant amount of damage has already occurred to our teeth. Thankfully, there are ways to catch the process before it reaches this stage. Some of the earliest indicators of oral health problems are the appearance of white marks on the teeth. These white marks are known as white spot lesions and appear when our enamel has become compromised by acids.
These acids can appear in our foods or may result from the action of the streptococcus mutans bacteria. White spot lesions indicate spots on our teeth where demineralization of the enamel has begun. This loss of valuable minerals makes our enamel softer and more prone to erosion and decay. Maintaining a committed oral hygiene routine can help prevent the appearance of white spot lesions. Another fundamental cause of these blemishes is your diet’s lack of proper fluoride.
Some ways to restore strength to your enamel include:
- Take fluoride supplements prescribed by your dentist
- Ensuring you use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash
- Get fluoride treatments at your next dental visit
Another critical indicator of oral health concerns is the appearance of gum disease. Gum disease can often be identified by puffiness and tenderness of the gums. They may bleed when brushed and show indications of pulling away from the base of the teeth. When this occurs, the dental roots are exposed to acid and decay. This exposure can lead to advanced decay and infection of the pulp over time. Getting professional cleanings from your dentist can help. When gum disease becomes advanced, your dentist may decide that you need to have root scaling and planing done. This process removes biofilms such as plaque and tartar beneath the gumline to promote healing.
Consult Your Dentist For Further Oral Health Tips
If you’ve noticed the onset of tooth decay or gum disease symptoms, speak to your dentist. Even if you’ve recently seen your dentist, they can do a lot to help recover your oral health from decay. They’ll schedule a visit to their dental clinic and perform a thorough examination and consultation during your visit. This consultation will develop a treatment plan to ensure your oral health is thoroughly protected. It’s the best way to ensure the beauty of your future smile. For children, it can prevent the need for orthodontic work later on.
