Our mouths are full of bacteria. When we eat sugary foods, that bacteria produces acids that join forces with the sugar to break down our tooth enamel. With that protective layer compromised, the bacteria can get inside our teeth, causing cavities or tooth decay. Since children are particularly vulnerable to cavities, the pediatric dentists at BridgeView Dental Group in Kodiak, AK, focus on educating kids and their parents on how to prevent decay.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Both Children & Adults

The most important thing you can do to prevent tooth decay is daily brushing and flossing. Both children and adults should brush their teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. For children under the age of 6, no more than a pea-size amount should be used, and for those under 3, use no more than the size of a grain of rice. Brushing and flossing removes the plaque, which is a sticky, bacteria-filled film that interacts with sugars to erode the tooth enamel.

Unfortunately, even for the most diligent, brushing and flossing is not enough. In conjunction with your at-home oral care regimens, children must see their pediatric dentist twice per year for cleanings and exams. Adults should also see the dentist twice a year. During these cleanings, plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that forms in places that are hard to reach with a toothbrush and floss are removed. The dentist also checks for early signs of decay, periodontal disease, and other potential problems.

The Role of Food & Drinks in Tooth Decay

Preventing tooth decay doesn’t stop with your at-home oral care and trips to the family or pediatric dentist, though. The foods and beverages you eat and drink also play a major role in the development or prevention of tooth decay. Because sugars work with the bacteria to break down the tooth enamel, limiting the amount of sugary foods and drinks in our diet can go a long way in keeping our teeth healthy.

Additionally, drinking more water in lieu of soft drinks, sports drinks, and other sugar-filled beverages also helps. Fluoride, a mineral that strengthens the tooth enamel and makes it less vulnerable to decay, is added to most communities’ drinking water, so it’s especially beneficial during and after eating.

If you’re concerned about your or your child’s risk for tooth decay, speak with the general and pediatric dentists at BridgeView Dental. They will recommend dental products and demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques to minimize your family’s risk of cavities. As a full-service dental office, they also perform teeth extractions, root canal procedures, among other treatments, which you can view on their website. When you’re ready to schedule an appointment for yourself or your child, call their office at (907) 486-3257.