Tooth decay occurs when areas in the hard surface of your teeth become damaged and develop holes - cavities. If these cavities are left untreated, the holes will get bigger and can eventually lead to pain, infection, and tooth loss. While it’s true that some people are more prone to tooth decay than others (even within the same family) - by teaching the importance of dental health we can work together to fight cavities and instill a lifetime of good oral hygiene:
Brushing twice a day - One of the BEST ways to prevent tooth decay. Encourage your children and other family members to brush teeth for two minutes two times a day.
Use toothpaste with fluoride - Research has shown that fluoride is effective in reducing cavities. Should someone in your family be especially susceptible to cavities, we may recommend a daily fluoride rinse or supplements (tablets or drops).
Ask us about applying dental sealants - A sealant is a protective coating applied to the chewing surface of back teeth. Since these areas are tough to clean of bacteria and food, the sealant seals off these grooves to protect tooth enamel. This is recommended for all school-aged children.
Floss, floss, floss! - Flossing is the most effective way to remove food and plaque from between the teeth. Encourage your children and other family members to floss at least once or twice a day for the best cavity protection.
Lower your children’s sugar intake - Sugar is linked to tooth decay because if it is not cleaned off teeth well, the bacteria in the mouth can feed on it and produce acids. Over time this acid wears away at the teeth and the process of decay begins. Lower the amount of sugary snacks and beverages your children consume throughout the day!
Finally, another tried and true method of cavity prevention is bringing your children in for their regularly schedule dental appointments. This way we have the opportunity to spot an irregularities and catch any problems fast. At Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental our purpose is to provide exceptional mental and dental care that can impact your child’s life forever. Our practice has been providing excellent pediatric dentistry to children of Long Island for over 14 years. We have three locations: Nesconset, Massapequa Park and our newest location in West Islip.
Brushing twice a day - One of the BEST ways to prevent tooth decay. Encourage your children and other family members to brush teeth for two minutes two times a day.
Use toothpaste with fluoride - Research has shown that fluoride is effective in reducing cavities. Should someone in your family be especially susceptible to cavities, we may recommend a daily fluoride rinse or supplements (tablets or drops).
Ask us about applying dental sealants - A sealant is a protective coating applied to the chewing surface of back teeth. Since these areas are tough to clean of bacteria and food, the sealant seals off these grooves to protect tooth enamel. This is recommended for all school-aged children.
Floss, floss, floss! - Flossing is the most effective way to remove food and plaque from between the teeth. Encourage your children and other family members to floss at least once or twice a day for the best cavity protection.
Lower your children’s sugar intake - Sugar is linked to tooth decay because if it is not cleaned off teeth well, the bacteria in the mouth can feed on it and produce acids. Over time this acid wears away at the teeth and the process of decay begins. Lower the amount of sugary snacks and beverages your children consume throughout the day!
Finally, another tried and true method of cavity prevention is bringing your children in for their regularly schedule dental appointments. This way we have the opportunity to spot an irregularities and catch any problems fast. At Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental our purpose is to provide exceptional mental and dental care that can impact your child’s life forever. Our practice has been providing excellent pediatric dentistry to children of Long Island for over 14 years. We have three locations: Nesconset, Massapequa Park and our newest location in West Islip.
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