Does My Child Have a Cavity?

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When your child has a cavity, it’s important to get help from the dentist in Akron, OH. However, it can be hard to tell when your child is having this kind of dental problem. Knowing what a cavity is, what the symptoms of a cavity are, and how to tell when your child is having this kind of problem is important. If you suspect your child could have a cavity, here’s what to know and what to be on the lookout for.

What’s a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole in the enamel of your child’s tooth. Cavities happen due to a combination of bacteria in the mouth, poor dental hygiene habits, and eating or drinking a lot of sugary foods and beverages. Children often get cavities because they eat and drink a lot of food and beverages that contain sugar and because children often have a hard time taking good care of their teeth.

How Can I Tell if My Child Has a Cavity?

Your child may let you know their tooth is hurting. This could be a sign of a cavity, so pay attention when your child says they have a toothache. There are other signs of cavities as well:

  • Discoloration on your child’s tooth enamel. Cavities may look brown or black.
  • Hole in your child’s teeth.
  • Your child’s breath smells bad, even after they’ve brushed.
  • Your child complains about sudden tooth sensitivity, but their teeth were never sensitive before.

What Should I Do If I Think My Child Has a Cavity?

Cavities need to be treated as soon as possible to stop the decay from spreading. If your child is complaining about a toothache or displays other signs of having a cavity, have your child see the dentist as soon as possible for diagnosis and a filling.

How Can I Prevent Cavities In the Future?

You can help your child avoid cavities by helping your child take good care of their teeth. Bring your child to the dentist on a regular basis. Brush your child’s teeth until they’re old enough to brush their teeth well on their own. For more information about dental fillings in Akron, OH, call today to talk to one of our dental professionals.

4 Ways Parents Can Take Care of Their Kid’s Teeth

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Your child’s dental health is in your hands until they reach an age where they can take care of their own teeth. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to ensure that your child has good oral hygiene through their childhood years. Working with your child’s dentist in Akron, OH is important! The following tips can help ensure that your child has healthy teeth through their formative years.

1. Provide brushing assistance.

Most children are unable to brush their teeth very well, because they don’t have great coordination or muscle control. Most kids need their teeth to be brushed for them until they turn about 7 or 8 years old. Make a point of brushing your child’s teeth every night.

If your child wants to brush their own teeth, give them a turn after you’ve brushed. This will allow your child to feel like they have some control over what happens to them, while also ensuring that their teeth get properly cleaned.

2. Make regular dentist appointments.

Your child needs to see the dentist regularly, just like you. Some kids only need to see the dentist every year, while others may need to see the dentist twice a year. Find out from your child’s dentist how many times a year your child needs to go to the dentist. Show your child that you’re serious about their dental hygiene by ensuring that you take them to the dentist as soon as it’s time.

3. Buy sugarless snacks.

Kids love snacks, but some snacks are very sugary and bad for your child’s teeth. Buy your child sugar-free snacks whenever possible. Steer your child away from sugary drinks like soda, and instead encourage your child to drink water or carbonated water.

4. Give your child tutorials about brushing their teeth.

While you’re brushing your child’s teeth, tell them what you’re doing. Describing to your child how tooth brushing works can help your child learn how to take care of their own teeth.

Your child’s dentist can also give your child a tutorial about brushing their teeth, when you bring your child in for a dental exam and tooth cleaning in Akron, OH. The dental professionals at Marino Dental on Darrow are happy to make this happen. Call today to make an appointment for your child.