Patient Education

What are cavities and how can you prevent them?

Cavities, also called caries, are areas of decay on and within a tooth. They’re called cavities because the decay creates a hole. The most common treatment for cavities are fillings or crowns. Dentists need to clean out the germ-filled decay and replace the missing parts of the tooth.

The best solution, though, is to prevent them altogether. Brushing twice a day and flossing is part of the solution, but a nutritional analysis and following healthy dietary recommendations complete the picture. Dr. Zee will evaluate all sources of lifestyle that may contribute to decay and recommend a plan of action to keep your children cavity-free. To get a head-start, download Dr. Zee’s cavity-free guide!

Importance of baby teeth and how many times the Tooth Fairy visits.

Most of us are too young to remember when our first tooth came in, but it likely happened when we were around 6-months-old. In fact, you probably had all your primary teeth by your third birthday.

This first set of teeth is important because they allow kids to chew, speak and smile. They also hold space for permanent teeth and create a pathway to follow. Plus, they teach children how to take care of their mouths. So when adult teeth come in, they know exactly how to keep their smiles healthy.

Baby teeth have the added perk of being picked up by the tooth fairy. With 20 primary teeth, she drops by pretty often.

What does fluoride do? What about sealants?

Fluoride and sealants go hand in hand.

Fluoride helps remineralize weak tooth enamel and reverse early signs of tooth decay. It also makes the tooth more resilient to acids and sugars from plaque, bacteria, foods and beverages. Dr. Zee recommends fluoridated toothpaste, and if your child has additional needs, he may prescribe a fluoride rinse or higher strength toothpaste.

Sealants, like fluoride, prevent decay, but in an entirely different way. Sealants flow into the grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth, where food and bacteria get trapped. Then, when you brush or drink water, it’s a lot easier for the food and bacteria to wash away, protecting your teeth from those yucky sugar bugs!

Why good nutrition matters and what to stay away from!

Think about it… everything you eat and drink passes by your teeth at some point. Sugary drinks splash around your mouth, and gummy snacks can get caught between teeth. But it’s more than just candy and soda. Pasta, bread and rice are all carbohydrates that get broken down to sugar.

The bacteria (germs) in your mouth eat the sugars and produce acids. These acids are the culprit and cause holes in your teeth (cavities)!

A healthy diet can work wonders on your oral health. Your mouth is a part of your body, and when you choose fresh veggies over candy, you’re doing your smile a favor. Opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and whole grains. Avoid foods and beverages high in sugar, and be sure to read nutritional labels. Sugar often hides in foods we think are good for us.

Check out Dr. Zee’s cavity-free guide for nutrition recommendations!

How to maintain good oral hygiene… start early!

Good habits start early, and teaching children about their oral health is a top priority at Kids Teeth. When you know why you should do something, it makes it easier to stick with it. So allow us to explain:

1. Brush twice a day – Once in the morning for fresh breath and a clean smile. Once at night to remove all the build up from the day.

2. Floss at least once a day – A good flossing before bed will help loosen and remove any food particles that have been lingering throughout the day. If you can squeeze in a quick floss after meals, even better.

3. See the dentist twice a year – Make sure you visit Dr. Zee for regular cleanings and checkups. He can check for signs of decay and help you prevent cavities.

Why you need 6-month checkups …because Dr. Zee loves to catch up!

But also because regular visits will help Dr. Zee become familiar with your child’s smile. He’ll be able to see early signs of decay, and help reverse or treat them before they become big problems.

6-month checkups are also an opportunity to get your teeth professionally cleaned. Dr. Zee can get behind molars, between teeth and into all the nooks and crannies that toothbrushes can miss. You’ll have the opportunity to address any concerns you might have with your child’s smile. And the goodie bags and prizes are awesome, too.