Cavities are an issue at any age, but the dentists at Pediatric Dental Group stress how important it is for children to learn proper dental hygiene habits early to prevent cavities later in life. Cavities occur when plaque and acid builds up on teeth, and, over a long enough stretch of time, wears through enamel. While cavities may seem like a small dental care issue, they can become worse if they go untreated, eventually causing more serious infection, pain, and even health issues. Here are a few important things to know about cavities so that you can protect your family: 

• Most cavities develop below the gum line, so you won’t be able to see them. This is why flossing is so important because it cleans that hidden part of the tooth that brushing often misses. If there is a cavity above the gum line, you’ll be able to see a slight brown or black discoloration or hole in the tooth. Whether you can see the cavity or not, if you are experiencing any dental pain you should see a dentist immediately.
• Most serious cavities are prevented with regular dental exams. When the doctor examines your teeth and x-rays, she will be able to see where your enamel may be weakening and warn you of the risk of cavities. The dentist will also be able to treat any early-stage cavities with a crown. 
• Though dental hygiene is extremely important, dental health is also inherited. If you have a family history of dental issues, you should be even more cognizant of maintaining a consistent dental routine so you can prevent more serious problems from developing.

Regular teeth cleaning is a guaranteed way to stop plaque from forming on your child’s teeth. For more information about cavities, or to schedule a cleaning appointment, call Pediatric Dental Group at (808) 593-8828 for the Honolulu office or (808) 245-2131 for the Lihue office. You can also learn more about their services online.