Caring for Caries: How to Prevent Cavities from Getting Worse

Cavities are never fun (and sometimes they can even be painful!), but anyone can get them – even kids with super diligent parents! When you discover a dark spot on your child’s tooth, it’s important to know what to do next – and how to keep it from getting worse.

That’s what we’re here to talk about! At S’more Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we see kids with caries all the time, and we want you and your family to know the first steps to take at home when you catch a cavity early. Here are our top three tips on what to do to keep your kid’s cavities from getting bigger.

Tooth Enamel Attack: What is a Cavity?

Before you find out the best ways to prevent tooth decay and avoid cavities, it’s important to understand exactly what a cavity is!

A cavity is a hole in the tooth that is caused by tooth decay. When tiny bacteria in the mouth eat food particles and sugars, it creates acids. When this acid sits on the teeth (Like if you aren’t brushing and flossing), it creates sticky plaque that attacks your enamel. Over time, if left untreated, a cavity will form on the teeth and cause all kinds of problems, including:

• Tooth Decay & Infections
• Tooth Sensitivity
• Gum Disease
• White or Dark Spots
• Damage (Like Holes!)

When a hole is forming, it can go unnoticed for a long time since symptoms might not pop up immediately. That’s why it’s important for patients to visit their pediatric dentist regularly for check-ins on front teeth and back teeth!

Stopping Cavities from Getting Worse

Once you’ve spotted a cavity (whether at home or at the dentist), it’s important to know what to do next to keep it from getting worse. Don’t worry – there are a couple of things that can help reduce complications and even partially reverse enamel loss!

Brush Away Sugar Bugs

There are a couple of big rules when it comes to keeping teeth clean. One of the biggest ones? Brush your teeth daily to remove bacteria (or sugar bugs, as we sometimes like to call them). Brushing teeth and gums with fluoride gel toothpaste for a few minutes twice a day fights gunk from foods and sugary drinks.

Brushing your teeth is a vital part of your oral health, but it’s even more important when you have a cavity. Your toothbrush and floss will be your best friend after you eat a meal and need to eliminate bits of food from your molars and gums. Just be gentle – brushing too hard can make a sore tooth hurt.

Drink Water & Avoid Sweets

We have a big secret to share: did you know that keeping your mouth moist is one of the best things you can do for your oral health?

That’s right! Minerals in saliva (like calcium) are a secret weapon against sugar bugs. A super-dry mouth will actually help bacteria grow, and staying hydrated will prevent bacteria from being able to build up more acid around your cavity. Isn’t that cool?

You should also avoid sugary foods like candy or fruit juice. Eating sweet treats can cause cavities, but it can also make them worse. Healthy smiles start with what you eat!

Protect Chewing Surfaces with Fluoride

Fluoride treatment, fluoridated water, and fluoride toothpaste are all awesome sources of fluoride – another great way to keep cavities at bay! The American Dental Association has shown that fluoride is a great tool for reducing bacteria in the mouth and replacing lost minerals in enamel. Talk to your pediatric dentist about using a fluoride rinse or getting a treatment to prevent decay and protect teeth from acids!

Preventing Tooth Decay & Dental Plaque with Your Dentist

If you’ve noticed a dark spot on your little one’s teeth, then it’s time to talk to the smile pros. A check-up can prevent caries from getting worse with preventative care or remove the decay with restorative fillings.

S’more Smiles in Cullman, AL, is your local space for kids to create happy, healthy smiles! Our team of pediatric dental experts is here to help with every kind of tooth trouble (or just a check up!). From restorative to preventative to emergency care, we’ve got you covered. Schedule your smile assessment with us today!