You may have heard local pediatric dentists in Kingston, Belfair, and Port Townsend mention the word plaque, but have you wondered what it is and how it impacts your child’s dental health?
Leading pediatric dentists in Hansville reveal plaque is a sticky, invisible film on the teeth’ surface because of the sugars present in food, drink, and candies. It can form quickly on your kid’s teeth, attack their enamel, and lead to dental caries or tooth decay.
This blog post is a quick guide on plaque prevention to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy and happy for life.
What Causes Plaque?
Dietary impact on children’s dental well-being is paramount for oral health issues like plaque, tooth decay, and cavities. Leading pediatric dentists in Port Orchard reveal plaque develops when foods(or drinks) containing sugars, starches, or carbohydrates leave remains on your toddler’s teeth. Bacteria present in their mouths help it develop into a sticky film that becomes more attached to the tooth with time.
These bacteria feed off the sugars and then produce harmful acids that completely destroy tooth enamel. Multiple acid attacks can cause the enamel to break down, eventually resulting in plaque and cavities.
How long does it take for plaque to start forming on the baby’s teeth?
Leading pediatric dentists in Port Townsend reveal that tooth decay and plaque distress in children can start when their first tooth appears. Plaque formation in very young children is usually caused by leaving the feeding bottle in their mouth when sleeping, applying sweet things such as honey or syrups on their pacifier, or prolonged nighttime breastfeeding.
Similarly, for kids who are a little older, consistently consuming candies, sugary foods, and drinks and poor oral habits can lead to plaque buildup on teeth.
The Impact of Plaque on Kids’ Teeth
1. Tooth Decay
If ignored, plaque buildup can quickly progress into tooth decay and distress. Top pediatric dentists in Port Ludlow reveal that certain sugary acids attack the kid’s tooth enamel, forming holes and cavities that turn blackish-brown in color. If not treated at the right time, the decay then spreads onto healthier teeth and proves to be dangerous for the teeth that are yet to erupt.
2. Gingivitis
- Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. Common symptoms of gingivitis include,
- Bad breath
- Swollen, red, and tender gums.
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
Gingivitis treatment usually involves individualized orthodontic treatment in kids through dental cleaning and improved oral health practices to reduce plaque buildup.
How Can I Tell if My Child Has Plaque?
Plaque develops as a colorless, sometimes pale-yellow layer and can be hard to detect in kids. Leading pediatric dentists in Port Hardlock reveal some other signs of plaque, including swelling of the gums, bad breath, irritation, and tooth decay.
A pediatric dentist in Silverdale can easily spot plaque on your kid’s teeth using age-appropriate dental tools during an oral examination.
Things To Avoid To Reduce Plaque Buildup
Dietary impact on children’s dental well-being is essential to promote healthy habits and prevent potential oral health issues.
Some things your kids should avoid include,
- Carbonated and sugary foods, drinks, and candies.
- Fruit juices or sweetened milk
- Dried fruits
- Breastfeeding at night time
- Sweet substances like honey on their pacifier
Plague Prevention Strategies for Kids
While you can’t completely prevent plaque from developing in your kid’s mouth, you can help minimize its impact by stopping it in its tracks by adopting the following strategies:
1. Brushing Twice A Day
Brushing twice daily or after every meal benefits your child’s dental health. Top pediatric dentists in Belfair recommend fluoride application and soft-bristled toothpaste with the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance.
2. Regular Flossing
You can start flossing your child’s teeth at least once daily as soon as two teeth touch, as it helps clean areas a toothbrush normally can’t.
3. Stay Hydrated
Paired with brushing and flossing, drinking water is one of the easiest ways to clean your child’s mouth and prevent plaque buildup.
4. Regular Dental Checkups
While practicing a good oral hygiene routine goes a long way in helping prevent plaque and cavities, it’s difficult to eliminate plaque from hard-to-reach crevices on the teeth, so it’s best to visit your child’s pediatric dentist in Kingston and Gig Harbor every six months to help aid in the early detection of plaque and tartar.
Final Takeaway
Diet, nutrition, and routine dental checkups are integral pillars of pediatric dental health in Gig Harbor, Poulsbo, and Seabeck. You can chart your child toward a future replete with healthy teeth and gums by embracing a balanced diet, curtailing sugary snacks and drinks, instilling sound oral hygiene habits, and scheduling early dental appointments with a reputed firm like Dentistry For Children. We utilize state-of-the-art, safe, and effective technology to provide advanced care for our young patients.
Our expert staff is dedicated to helping each little patient, parent, or caregiver feel comfortable in the environment and combat dental anxiety. We aim to tailor an approach sensitive to a patient’s age, temperament, past dental experience, and parent’s desires.
Schedule an appointment with our team today.
FAQs
1. Can Plaque be Completely Avoided?
Top pediatric dentists in Bremerton reveal that while it’s difficult to avoid plaque completely, you can still follow some effective strategies to minimize and control plaque formation:
- Regular dental checkups
- Age-appropriate dental hygiene practices like brushing and flossing.
- Preventive strategies for children’s oral health like fluoride application.
- Consuming a balanced diet as dietary impacts on children’s dental well-being affects everything.
2. What Foods Contribute to Plaque Formation?
Food items that are likely to cause cavities include:
- Cookies, pastries, and muffins
- Crackers, pretzels, and chips
- White bread
- Soda and other sugary drinks
- Breakfast cereal
- Candies
- Fruit snacks and juices.
3. Can Plaque Cause Long-Term Damage to Kids’ Teeth?
Yes, plaque can cause long-term damage to your little ones’ teeth if not properly treated. By creating positive oral habits in childhood and seeking routine dental examinations with a reputed pediatric dentist in Seabeck, you can prevent long-term damage to your children’s teeth.
