75701 Pediatric Dentist

According to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation, childhood tooth decay is the number one chronic illness impacting children in America. More than 40 percent of children have decay by the time they reach kindergarten. Tooth decay can have a lasting impact on the health of a child, especially if dental care is not provided to them at a young age. The following are some of the risk factors that can lead to tooth decay during childhood.

Sugary Drinks

One of the leading causes for childhood tooth decay comes from long-term exposure to sugary liquids. Our team recommends that a child drinks unsweetened fruit juices or water. If a child does drink a sugary liquid, using a straw allows the beverage to pass by the teeth.

Spill-Proof Cups

Drinking from spill-proof cups throughout the day can lead to decay. Spill-proof cups allow children to consistently expose their teeth to drinks containing sugars and acids. We suggest that a child only use spill-proof cups during times of increased salivary activity, such as mealtimes or when the child has a snack, so that the saliva can help clean their teeth.

Not Visiting Us Sooner

Another cause of early childhood tooth decay is not knowing when a child should first visit the dentist. The Academy of General Dentistry found that by kindergarten, 25 percent of children have never seen a dentist. Children should have their first dental exam following the eruption of their first tooth.

Lack of Dental Care

Regular dental examinations allow our team to monitor your child’s mouth for signs of decay. The National Children’s Oral Health Foundation says that 1 in 5 U.S. children go without dental care. Neglecting regular visits puts children at risk for decay that can spread and manifest into more severe oral health issues.

Leaving a child’s teeth untreated and without dental care can have a lasting impact on their long-term health. Our team can help make sure that your child’s smile is healthy. Together, we can work to minimize your child’s risk of developing significant oral health complications.

To schedule your child’s next visit to our office, please contact us.

2301 S. Broadway, Ste. B-10
Tyler, TX 75701
(903) 531-9000