“Catch it in the early stages.” That is the answer that pediatric dentists give to parents who ask how best to prevent extensive damage from tooth decay. One of the first signs of decalcification are the white spots that appear on a tooth, the tooth may also start to become more sensitive. Decalcification means that a tooth is losing the calcium that gives it the strength to resist decay.
One of the best tools in the fight against decalcification happens to be our own saliva. It is functional in rinsing away the bacteria left behind by the foods and drinks that we consume. This being said, if we eat more of the foods that are good for our teeth and avoid too many acidic drinks we can contribute to the battle.
The spots that indicate an impending cavity shouldn’t be ignored. The sooner your child can be seen by his pediatric dentist the better the odds become that the situation can be reversed before any serious damage is done. If a cavity has progressed enough to require a filling but not so far as to necessitate a crown the procedure will be a simple one using a material that will match the natural color of the healthy teeth. A whitening process may be used to improve the appearance of teeth that have been discolored.
Dr. Kathy Kaelin encourages her patients to brush and floss as part of their daily routine to prevent cavities. Call Kaelin Pediatric Dentistry @ 303-805-8266 for your appointment.