How Can Early Tooth Decay be Prevented or Reduced?

Tooth decay is a common issue, but children are especially susceptible to this condition. There are multiple ways to help prevent this issue, ranging from a good oral hygiene routine to dental sealants. Board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Karrie Lee can help you find the best possible treatment routine for your child. Schedule a consultation with WindHaven Pediatric Dentistry in Aubrey, TX to learn more about how you can help reduce and prevent tooth decay in children.

What are some of the best ways to prevent and reduce early tooth decay?

There are multiple ways to prevent and reduce tooth decay, including dental procedures, treatments, and at-home changes.

• A good oral hygiene routine can reduce the likelihood of developing tooth decay. A good oral hygiene routine should include brushing twice a day, flossing, using mouthwash, and attending dental exams and cleanings twice a year.

• Dental sealants can help prevent tooth decay by reducing the bacteria, tartar, plaque, and food particle buildup that sticks to the ridged surfaces of teeth. Dental sealants are used on the back of the mouth on molars and other teeth that have a large surface area.

• Dental exams can help prevent and reduce tooth decay by catching potential dental and oral issues before they have a chance to occur or worsen. After the exam, a treatment plan can be made and tailored to fit your child’s needs.

• Teeth cleanings help reduce the amount of bacteria, tartar, and plaque that is on the surfaces of the teeth. This helps to reduce and prevent tooth decay.

Using a mix of at-home changes and dental procedures can help to prevent and reduce early tooth decay in a child’s mouth. If you think that your child needs dental treatment to prevent or reduce tooth decay, contact WindHaven Pediatric Dentistry in Aubrey, TX today to learn how Dr. Lee can help.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if tooth decay does not get treated? If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to many issues, such as dental pain, the need for more treatments, and more. If left long enough, a dental extraction may be necessary.

What causes tooth decay? Tooth decay occurs in steps starting with plaque forming. This can be caused by eating too much sugar and not cleaning the teeth well enough. Then, the acid in the plaque attacks the teeth causing erosion, which leads to small holes or openings in the enamel. Finally, as tooth decay develops, bacteria and acid are in the mouth, causing issues within the teeth.

Where can I get treatment to prevent and reduce tooth decay in Aubrey, TX?

There are multiple things to help prevent and reduce tooth decay for your child. You can start small by improving their oral hygiene routine, or they can get dental sealants, exams, and cleanings to help prevent these issues more effectively. Dr. Karrie Lee can help you find the best treatment possible for your child that fits your specific goals and needs. Contact WindHaven Pediatric Dentistry in Aubrey, TX for a full consultation on the overall state of your child’s dental and oral health.