Did you know February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? It’s just around the corner, meaning now’s the perfect time to teach your child the value of preventative dental care. Learning the importance of brushing and flossing their teeth and scheduling regular visits with their dentist helps them establish healthy habits that will benefit them for the rest of their life.
If you haven’t booked your child’s next checkup and cleaning, continue reading to learn 3 facts about pediatric dentistry that might motivate you to contact their provider for an appointment!
Fact #1: Fluoridated Water Strengthens Teeth
Did you know that enamel is the hardest substance in the human body? It’s made from dense calcium phosphate and other minerals that are even stronger than bone, but that doesn’t mean it’s entirely invincible.
Cavities happen when bacteria in your kid’s mouth produce acids that work in tandem with acidic foods to erode their enamel. From there, germs can penetrate their teeth or gums to cause common problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Fortunately, many public sources of water are treated with fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens enamel.
Fact #2: Cavities in Primary Teeth Matter
You might think there’s no reason to worry about your little one’s baby teeth getting tooth decay because they’ll fall out anyway, but nothing could be further from the truth. Cavities are contagious and can spread from one tooth to another, eventually infecting your child’s gums or jawbone. This, in turn, can damage their permanent teeth before they even arrive.
Not only that, but caries in kids are prevalent. According to the CDC, an estimated 20% (or about 1 in 5) of children between 4 and 11 years old and 13% of 12- to 19-year-olds have at least one untreated cavity. You can prevent this condition by encouraging a diligent at-home dental hygiene routine to consistently remove plaque and bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
Fact #3: Sports Can Cause Injuries
Signing your kid up for karate, soccer, football, or other high-contact sports can teach them a lot about teamwork, athleticism, gameplay, and discipline. However, many parents and guardians are surprised to learn that sports-related problems are responsible for about 13% to 39% of all dental injuries in children.
A single blow to the face can break or even dislodge their pearly whites or restorations like tooth-colored fillings or dental crowns. Thankfully, your child’s dentist can provide a custom-fitted mouthguard to safeguard their grin, protecting them from harm during rough-and-tumble activities.
Scheduling regular dental visits for your child ensures they’ll learn the value of building and maintaining a happy, healthy smile!
Meet the Author
Dr. Gabriel Nossa enjoys helping people of all ages enhance their lives by improving their dental health. He earned his D.M.D. from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and pursues ongoing educational opportunities through prestigious institutions like the Dawson and Pankey Institutes. Today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services under one roof, including basic preventative care for you and your family. He takes the time to learn your unique goals and concerns, then utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to deliver personalized treatment plans for accurate results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (352) 332-8133.