Children are easily prone to the over-indulgence of sweets. Who doesn’t love treating kids to sugary snacks and drinks? Milkshakes, ice cream Sundays, cupcakes, their favorite chocolate bar; kids have it made. A top pediatric dentist in Marietta, GA warns parents to always be overly cautious of the amount of sugar their kids consume. Problems like tooth decay could be extra painful for your little ones. Learn the signs and how to get expert treatment for your child’s dental health before bigger problems arise.

Pediatric Dentist in Marietta, GA Advice: Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar in the mouth which eventually forms a cavity. Plaque is a transparent, tacky film that comes from bacteria. Consumption of too much sugar and starch, paired with a lack of daily hygiene after, leads to an overgrowth of bad bacteria. Below, is a timeline of how a cavity is born.

• First, plaque that is left to build up on teeth hardens around the gum line into tartar (dead bacteria).
• Plaque acids erode essential minerals from outer tooth enamel.
• Tiny holes form in a tooth from the erosion (beginning stage of a cavity).
• Bacteria and acid continue to eat away into deeper layers of the tooth near nerves and blood vessels.
• Next, the inner tooth becomes enflamed, which causes irritation.
• Further irritation leads to pain that may seep to the bone. Ouch, a cavity is born.

Signs that your Child is Experiencing Tooth Decay

Many people do not experience symptoms with early tooth decay depending on the location and tooth, yet, it can creep in. Before you know it, your child is cringing from pain. If your child is experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity from specific foods, a cavity could be wreaking havoc on their tiny, delicate mouth. Look out for the signs below with your child.

• Pain any time they bite down
• Tooth sensitivity; mild to sharp pain with cold, hot, or sweet foods
• Spontaneous tooth pain (occurs without any known cause)

Tooth Decay Progression

As a cavity develops deeper, symptoms will be more apparent. If you see the visible appearance of black, brown, or white spots on your kid’s tooth, this is a red flag. An important note is to remember that early cavities are light brown, while deeper cavities turn black. This can be a good gauge of the amount of time decay has been present.

Dentistry for Children

As parents, we need to monitor our kids’ sugar consumption. While fun and tasty, too much sugar should not be a constant thing. Even when eating foods or drinks full of sugar, daily teeth brushing after can remove gunk. Start today with a better oral hygiene plan to prevent further decay.

• Avoid/reduce your child’s consumption of sugary drinks or snacks.
• Make sure their teeth are brushed morning, night, and after sugary or starchy foods with fluoride toothpaste.
• Using mouthwash after is an added hygiene bonus.

How Tooth Decay can be Treated

Set a great example for good dental care habits, along with regular pediatric dental visits. Your child should be visiting his/her pediatric dentist in Marietta, GA every six months. Even young children can get direct tooth restoration such as filings.

Another option is indirect restoration like crowns, inlays, or veneers. Dental problems are not fun for anyone. Kids, who can be extra sensitive, deserve to have their special needs met by an expert dental team.

Nia Pediatric Dentistry in Marietta

You and your family deserve a top pediatric dentist in Marietta, GA to get the proper dental care for your child. Meet the compassionate and knowledgeable dental staff and doctors of Nia Pediatrics in Marietta.

Contact the office at Nia Pediatrics for services and new patient information. With years of experience in pediatric dentistry, the special needs of your child’s oral health are our priority. Why wait any longer?