Start good dental habits early.

We all know that it is never too early to start a routine of good dental habits. Parents can start getting their child used to tooth brushing even before their first tooth comes in by gently rubbing their gums with a soft, clean washcloth. This should be done at least twice a day, so your child can start to associate oral health care as something that should be done twice a day.

As your child’s teeth come in, make sure you develop an oral health care routine that includes brushing at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes, teaching your child to spend an equal amount of time on each tooth.

By starting good dental habits early, your child has a better chance of avoiding dental cavities.

White Dental Crowns For Children

Unfortunately, not every child will have perfect dental health. If your child has a cavity or tooth damage, your dentist may recommend a dental crown to protect the tooth. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover that fits over a tooth to preserve the tooth under it.

A dental crown is used when there is a severely damaged tooth that a filling can’t fix. A dental filling is used to fill minor dental cavities. When there is a large cavity in the tooth, the dentist may recommend using a dental crown instead.

Dental crowns come in silver and white. A silver dental crown is made of metal, and tends to be recommended because it is stronger than a white dental crown and can absorb the biting and chewing of a child. A white dental crown, however, isn’t as strong as a metal dental crown, but it is still stronger than a natural tooth. A white dental crown is used more on front teeth because it is more aesthetically pleasing than a silver dental crown.

Why might my child need a dental crown?

There are a few reasons your dentist may recommend a dental crown for your child, including:

Large Cavities: If your child has a large cavity or is experiencing tooth decay on one of their baby teeth, a dental crown may be used to help preserve the tooth before an adult, or permanent, tooth is ready to come in.

To Protect a Weakened Tooth: Some children experience weak teeth due to a range of issues, such as gum disease, medications, or genetics. Dental crowns can be used to help preserve the tooth and its integrity.

Chipped Tooth: If your child has a chipped or fractured tooth, a dental crown can be used to help your child’s tooth stay intact. If a child loses a primary tooth too early, there may not be room for an adult tooth to come in properly because the teeth can shift. A dental crown can be used to help keep the space needed for an adult tooth to come in.

Common Causes of Cavities in Children

Tooth decay is a common cause of cavities in children. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that is fed by carbohydrates, which turn into sugars and starches. When these carbohydrates are exposed to bacteria, they can form plaque, which is a sticky film that can coat the teeth. If your child isn’t brushing their teeth properly, the plaque can start to eat away at the enamel of the teeth, and that can cause cavities.

Everyone is at risk for tooth decay because bacteria forms naturally in all of our mouths. To help combat tooth decay and cavities:

• Cut back on foods with high sugars and starches, like fruit juice and candy.
• Keep hydrated with water, as it helps to balance the pH in your mouth.
• Practice good oral hygiene routines, including brushing at least twice a day and flossing.

If your child is at risk for cavities, the team at Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry may recommend dental sealants. A dental sealant is a clear protective coating that is applied to the molars and premolars of children’s teeth to help prevent cavities. The back teeth are harder for children to brush, making them more susceptible to cavities. A dental sealant can be applied in our office and doesn’t take long; plus, there is no pain involved for your child.

Visit Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry for an evaluation.

If your child is having issues with their teeth, or they are due for a dental checkup, book them an appointment at Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry as soon as possible for a dental evaluation. Our team focuses on pediatric dental care for children of all ages, and we want to ensure their smiles and teeth are protected.