Although you may teach your children how to brush their teeth, every visit to the dentist could uncover another cavity. But don’t fret. But don’t worry, children can still get dental cavities. This is a condition where harmful bacteria damages hard tooth structure. Tooth decay is still the most common chronic condition among children and teens.
“Kids have very special oral care needs, and are much more likely than adults to form cavities,”Jeffrey Hillman, D.M.D., Ph.D., chief scientist officer of Oragenics, Inc. Dr. Jeffrey Hillman, D.M.D., Ph.D., says that sugary foods are more appealing to children, which makes them more likely to get cavities. Sugar is not the cause of cavities; sugar feeds bacteria that causes tooth decay.
While brushing can prevent tooth decay and remove plaque (or buildup of bacteria), it is not the best technique. Plaque can form within 20 minutes of eating, so it’s important to brush immediately after eating. Plaque between teeth can’t be removed by brushing. From the age of 10, when children can learn to floss for themselves, parents should floss their children’s teeth at least once daily.
Oral care probiotics are an option to flossing and daily brushing. “good”bacteria may be beneficial. Dr. Hillman suggests that children take an oral probiotic supplement such as EvoraKids, which is recommended by Dr. Hillman.www.myevorakids.comIt is. He explained that oral care probiotics flood the mouth with good bacteria. They adhere to the tooth surfaces including the pits and fissures. This leaves less space for bacteria to grow. “The probiotics effectively compete with certain harmful bacteria for both nutrients and space on teeth surfaces, reaching where brushing and flossing can’t,”Dr. Hillman.
Even if you do everything at home, it is still possible to make a difference by visiting the dentist. A healthy mouth requires regular dental checkups. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that children see their dentists by the age of one.
