Ask Dr. Clark: What, exactly, are cavities?

We know one word parents and kids don’t want to hear when they visit Pearland Pediatric Dentistry is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly are cavities and how do they happen? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by Dr. Pamela Clark and Dr. Suha Reddy, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities at home:

• Brush your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush the gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your child’s teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats your child eats/drinks
• Be sure to visit our Pearland office every six months – or as recommended – for a teeth cleaning and check-up

Ask Dr. Clark: Is tooth decay preventable?

Great question - yes, in fact, tooth decay is totally preventable! Tooth decay, which is caused by sugars left in your mouth, can turn into an acid, which in turn can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents tend to be lax in their oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away. A low-sugar diet also helps keep tooth decay at bay.

Your child should visit Pearland Pediatric Dentistry every six months (or as recommended) for regular dental cleanings and checkups. As part of our caries screening process, our office utilizes Caries I.D. technology. Caries I.D. is a pen-sized hand held device that utilizes LED technology to detect cavities in the earliest stages that can often be missed by traditional methods. Early detection means more conservative treatment for your child.

Lastly, we encourage you to check out this helpful article about kids and tooth decay, courtesy of our friends at KidsHealth.

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Dr. Pamela Clark, helping your child understand cavities

At Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, our staff knows one word no child wants to hear when they visit Dr. Pamela Clark is "Cavity!" That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected by Dr. Clark or Dr. Suha Reddy so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by Drs. Clark or Reddy, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit our convenient Pearland office every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

We hope that helps you and your child understand cavities a little better! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!