Reduce Cavities This Halloween With Our Houston Kids Dentist

During the fall season, when candy and sweet desserts are everywhere, our Houston pediatric dentist diagnoses many children with cavities. In this article, we will discuss what causes cavities in the first place and how to reduce them as Halloween approaches.

What Causes Cavities In Children?

Cavities are typically caused by excess bacteria in the mouth, which is called plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance that sits on and between the teeth and erodes your tooth enamel unless you brush your teeth and floss adequately and correctly. If managed incorrectly, your enamel will experience so much erosion that holes begin to form. These holes are the beginnings of a cavity.

How Our Houston Pediatric Dentist Recommends You Reduce And Prevent Cavities

Here are some tips for reducing your child's risk of cavities.

Ensure Your Child Properly Brushes Their Teeth at Least Twice a Day

With Halloween approaching, kids have access to endless candy nearly all-month long. Candy is loaded with sugar, which is notorious for causing cavities. If your child is going to indulge in some candy this month, our Houston dentist urges you to make sure they brush their teeth at least twice a day–once in the morning and once before bedtime. Fluoridated toothpaste is also a great way to strengthen their enamel, which provides extra protection against cavities. Using a fluoridated mouthwash afterward is also helpful.

Help Your Child Floss Before Bedtime

Many of our pediatric dentist’s patients say they don’t floss because it hurts or causes them to bleed, bit did you know that these are often signs you aren’t flossing enough? This is because, if your child doesn’t floss, they are letting plaque build up in their gums, which can cause inflammation and pain. That said, flossing incorrectly may also cause this discomfort, so floss picks are an easier, yet equally effective way to get rid of excess plaque, in addition to your twice-annual dental cleanings. If you feel that, when flossing, your child bleeds excessively, then please book an appointment as soon as possible, as it might be due to gum disease.

Our Houston Kids Dentist Offers Tooth-Colored Fillings For Children With Cavities

If your child is experiencing a toothache, then please book an appointment with our Houston pediatric dentist so we can check for cavities. In the event that your child has a cavity (or multiple), we will utilize state-of-the-art composite cavity fillings to make your child’s teeth healthy again.