Knowing More about Tooth Decay

Dental caries, also known as tooth decay, is one of the leading chronic diseases in children. If left unchecked by a dentist, this might not only lead to low self-esteem, but also to worse oral conditions that may affect their eating, speaking, and learning. Dental problems like tooth decay are also five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever. To avoid this from happening to your child, regular visits to the dentist are a must, and knowing a few more things about tooth decay wouldn’t hurt, either.

It is commonly believed that tooth decay is caused by sugar lodged between teeth, but it’s not always the case. Tooth decay can also stem from the effects of the acid produced in your mouth, which can break down the tooth’s enamel outer shell, thus weakening the teeth and making them more prone to decay. Sometimes, tooth decay manifests obvious signs, and sometimes it doesn’t; when it does, it’s usually when it has already reached a more serious stage. The dentist is the best person who could check for the warning signs of tooth decay.

While fluoride toothpaste can help prevent tooth decay, moderation when it comes to your kid’s diet is also key to avoiding dental caries. Easing them down from eating too much candies and drinking soda is a first step towards better dental health for your kids.