Tips for Keeping Your Children’s Teeth Healthy

Posted on: 5 April 2022

Failure to follow the proper oral hygiene practices exposes your teeth's enamel to plaque. Unfortunately, your oral bacteria will work to break down the plaque in a process that produces acids. This acid causes enamel destruction, leading to tooth decay. If left unattended, the tooth decay will continue destroying other inner teeth structures.

Fortunately, you can prevent serious destruction of your teeth's internal structure if you notice the signs of tooth decay early. The article highlights some signs of tooth decay to look out for to ensure timely visits to your dentist.

1. Tooth Discomfort or Irritation When Eating

Eating should always be a fun experience regardless of your food's temperature. Therefore, any irritation you feel as you eat indicates an issue with your teeth. The most likely cause of this irritation is the exposure of the internal teeth nerves after the enamel is destroyed. It is easy to ignore tooth sensitivity because you don't feel severe pain. However, booking a dental check-up immediately after experiencing this irritation will often ensure the problem is treated before the inner tooth's structure is destroyed.

2. Toothache

One of the main reasons people visit their dentist is when they experience a toothache. Unfortunately, most people only schedule the appointment after the pain becomes unbearable. However, it is vital to understand that a toothache usually arises after your tooth enamel and some internal tooth tissues have been eaten away by bacteria. So, although painkillers will temporarily eliminate this pain, you will have to visit a dental expert as soon as you can. That will ensure the decay is cleared out and a filling is put in its place to prevent further bacterial damage.

3. Visible Holes on the Teeth

Once your teeth's enamel and internal structures get damaged, they will leave a visible gap. So if your teeth have holes in them, it is advisable to seek dental treatment to prevent more or worse holes from developing. Your dentist's treatment recommendation will depend on the hole's depth. For example, a simple cleaning procedure and tooth filling are enough for shallow holes. However, deep holes reaching your teeth's pulp require root canal treatment and porcelain crown installation.

Looking out for the early signs of tooth decay and booking a dental appointment early enough will go a long way to preventing severe tooth damage. So, if you experience the issues explained above, ensure you immediately visit your dentist for treatment. It is also crucial to book regular appointments so your dentist can prevent such issues or catch them early to ensure your teeth are always healthy.