Our childhood is an important time for us emotionally, mentally, and physically. We’re working at understanding the world and growing into the adults we want to be. Just as our mental and emotional development has a lasting impact on how we approach the world, our dental health can impact our smiles in later years. Our baby teeth may be temporary, but they play an essential role in developing our orofacial area. They contribute to how our jaw grows and ensure our teeth have sufficient space to grow straight and healthy. Taking care of our oral health as children is essential to ensuring a lasting smile that we can be proud of.
Identifying Tooth Decay Before It Becomes A Cavity
We must watch for our earliest teeth if we’re dedicated to ensuring that we have a smile that lasts a lifetime. This means being able to identify decay when it first begins to appear. At this stage, we can often take steps to reverse or minimize the damage that occurs from tooth decay. The first sign we will notice is the appearance of white spots in our enamel. These white spots represent areas where the enamel has become demineralized. This process makes the enamel weaker and more susceptible to erosion and acids produced by streptococcus mutans.
Thankfully, there are steps we can take when these white spots appear to stop the process. It starts with maintaining good oral hygiene practices and visiting our dentist. When you visit your dentist due to the appearance of white spot lesions, there are treatments they may suggest. Among these treatments are:
- Fluoride treatments to help remineralize your enamel
- Dental sealants to protect against decay
- Improving your oral hygiene practices to hit problem areas
- Fluoride supplements if you’re not on city water
Before these signs of dental decay appear, it’s important to maintain an effective oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing regularly, mouthwash, and flossing at least once daily. You must spend at least two minutes carefully brushing your teeth. While brushing, you must be certain to get all parts of your teeth in all areas of your mouth. Following brushing,, rinse and spit to eliminate any remaining food debris. This process protects your teeth from developing decay and prevents the development of gingivitis or gum disease.
Other Oral Health Signs To Watch For
While white spot lesions are the first indicator of tooth decay, other concerns exist. Among them are gums that are red, puffy, and sensitive. They may bleed when you brush them, indicating the presence of gum disease. If you identify these signs, you must get to your dentist as soon as possible. They can help you take steps to reverse gum disease while it’s in its earliest stages. If untreated, this condition will develop into periodontitis, which can cause permanent damage to the gums, jawbone, and dental roots. Reach out to your dentist today for further guidance on protecting your primary teeth! Your adult teeth will thank you!