{"id":143,"date":"2019-04-20T19:46:29","date_gmt":"2019-04-20T19:46:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dixhillsdentist.com\/blog\/?p=143"},"modified":"2020-09-21T12:35:48","modified_gmt":"2020-09-21T12:35:48","slug":"your-kids-dentist-in-dix-hills-lets-you-know-why-they-may-be-at-risk-for-developing-cavities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dixhillsdentist.com\/blog\/2019\/04\/20\/your-kids-dentist-in-dix-hills-lets-you-know-why-they-may-be-at-risk-for-developing-cavities\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Kid\u2019s Dentist in Dix Hills Lets You Know Why They May be at Risk for Developing Cavities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As a parent, the most important thing to you is your child\u2019s health and safety. Nobody gives you a handbook that answers the little questions like when to take them to their first dentist appointment. With more than 4 million preschoolers affected by tooth decay, it\u2019s important that parents know what they should be doing to protect their young one\u2019s oral health. Your child can be at risk for developing cavities as soon as their teeth start to peak through their gums. It\u2019s not just sugar that\u2019s causing tooth decay either. Your kid\u2019s dentist in Dix Hills lets you know what puts your little one\u2019s teeth in harm’s way and how you can stop it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How is Your Child at Risk for Tooth Decay?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not uncommon for your child to develop serious tooth\ndecay at a young age. Most people don\u2019t know that tooth decay is a disease\ncalled dental caries that is caused by introducing certain germs to your\nchild\u2019s mouth. Dental caries is more common in children than any other chronic\nillness and can result in infections and tooth extraction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tooth decay is caused when germs called mutans streptococcus\nare introduced to your child. These bacteria are especially common if your\nchild eats a lot of sugary foods. They produce an acid that eats away at their\nteeth and creates plaque. Once these germs start eroding the enamel on your\nchild\u2019s teeth, it leaves the tooth susceptible to developing cavities and\ninfections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These bacteria are typically transferred from the parent to\nthe baby via saliva. This can happen when your child uses your toothbrush or\nwhen they eat from the same silverware as you. The best way to avoid the\nharmful effects of mutans streptococcus is to make sure that your child is\ngetting the oral care they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Should Your Child Get Their First Checkup?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While keeping up with your child\u2019s oral\nhealth<\/a> by brushing and flossing helps to rid their teeth of bacteria,\nplaque, and sugar, it\u2019s not the only preventive measure you can take. It\u2019s\nrecommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Association that\nyour child see a dentist by their first birthday. Waiting until they\u2019re older\ncould result in advanced tooth decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though your child\u2019s teeth aren\u2019t permanent now, if they\nlose their baby teeth too soon it can affect the way their adult teeth grow in\nand can even cause alignment issues. This could cause them to need braces in\nthe future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your child\u2019s first visit will be quick and easy. Your\npediatric dentist in Dix Hills will be able to easily spot the telltale signs\nof tooth decay or plaque buildup and offer treatment options or advice on how to\nprevent these. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can You do to Protect Your Child From Tooth Decay? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even though some children may be at a higher risk of\ndeveloping cavities, all children can get them. Here are some tips to help\nreduce your child\u2019s risk for tooth decay: <\/p>\n\n\n\n