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Kids love sweets, snacks, and sugary drinks, but these are unfortunately some of the main causes of cavities. They’re common oral health issues, and luckily, may be easy to avoid if you floss daily and brush your teeth twice a day. To help you keep your little one’s smile healthy, here are some facts you should know about this pesky dental issue. 

Debunking 3 Common Myths About Cavities

1. Only Sugar Causes Them

Sugar is one of the main culprits behind cavities, but not the only one. Acidic foods like citrus fruits can also wear down enamel. Bread, pasta, and other starchy foods are also contributors, since they encourage decay-causing bacteria to produce the acids that lead to cavities. You can prevent these issues by encouraging your child to brush their teeth after meals and drink plenty of water to wash away these particles from the enamel. 

2. All of Them Are Painful

cavitiesIn many cases, people have cavities with little-to-no symptoms. It’s only in the later stages or when the nerve is exposed that pain can be severe and constant. This is why your child needs to see a pediatric dentist twice a year even if they experience no dental discomfort. A dentist will take a closer look at their teeth and detect signs of decay that would otherwise go unnoticed. This will prevent pain from developing. 

3. They Don’t Worsen

Cavities will worsen without treatment. Decay-causing bacteria will continue damaging your child’s tooth in the collapsed area and eventually reach the nerves. There, they may cause infections and eventually kill the tooth. Root canal therapy is the only way to restore it at this later stage. Never delay treatment, since advanced cavities require more intensive and costly work. 

 

If your child is overdue for a trip to the dentist, turn to Pediatric Dentistry of Onalaska. Serving La Crosse County, WI, this practice offers comprehensive pediatric dentistry services and has assisted their community since 2002. Their team will address cavities, provide fillings, and handle general oral hygiene needs. Call (608) 781-9114 to schedule an exam for your child or visit their website to learn more about the practice. You can also connect on Facebook for news and updates.

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