Surface-Level Cavities 101: What They Are & How They’re Treated

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Did you know that as many as 92 percent of adults actually have a cavity in their teeth right now? Most of these people probably have what is referred to as a surface-level cavity. Without question, cavities are some of the most common oral health ailments, but they are also perfectly treatable when they are tended to with dental fillings in Centerville, OH early in their development. Here is a look at what a surface-level cavity is, how it is treated, and what the outlook will be for the long term.

What is a surface-level cavity?

A surface-level cavity is a point of decay on a tooth that only affects the outermost layer of enamel. Teeth are made up of primarily three layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp. These cavities can occur because of bacteria collecting or accumulating in the area that does not get sloughed away with regular brushing. The majority of cavities among people who visit the dentist regularly are surface level because the decay does not have a chance to sink further into the tooth.

How is a surface-level cavity treated?

Surface-level cavities do need to be promptly treated because left unattended, the decay will spread and can potentially reach into the dentin or pulp. The dentist will use a tiny drill to remove the decayed material, and then enclose the opening with a tooth-colored filling.

What happens after a surface-level cavity is treated?

Once the cavity is treated, the decay will stop growing. The filling acts as a sealer in the area to prevent bacteria from getting into the enamel. Some fillings are so effective that they last a lifetime with the proper care and dental hygiene efforts. However, after several years, a filling may have to be replaced by a dentist.

Need a Tooth Filled in Centerville, OH?

A cavity may be common, but the longer a cavity is left untreated, the more likely it will be that a Centerville, OH dentist has to take more intense action to preserve your tooth. If it has been a while since you have had a checkup to examine your teeth for cavities, reach out to us at Bellbrook Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment.

Your Little One Has a Hard Time Brushing Their Teeth? 4 Tips

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It’s so important for children to learn to brush their teeth well. Unfortunately, many small children don’t have the coordination to brush their teeth thoroughly and properly.

Many kids also struggle to brush their teeth for long enough – they just don’t have the patience! As a parent, there are many things you can do to help your little one learn to brush their teeth. Here’s what we suggest.

1. Sing a Song to Show How Long

It’s normal for small children who brush their own teeth to lose interest in brushing their teeth before their teeth are fully clean. Tooth brushing should last about two minutes.

To show your child how long they should be brushing their teeth, find a song your child enjoys that lasts two minutes. Play that song on your phone or stereo every time your child brushes their teeth. Tell them tooth brushing is finished when the song ends.

2. Ask Them to Practice In Front Of You

Ask your child to show you how they brush their teeth. When they practice tooth brushing in front of you, your child will automatically show you what needs to be improved about their process.

Take the time to correct any problems that you’re noticing with your child’s tooth brushing – whether they’re not getting in the back of their mouth, or they’re just not spending enough time in one spot.

3. Have the Dentist Show Your Child

Your child’s dentist can also show your child how to brush their teeth. Ask your child’s dentist in Bellbrook OH to show your child the best way to brush their teeth. Get instruction from your dentist every time you go.

4. Take a “Turn” Brushing Their Teeth

Your child may insist on brushing their own teeth, but until your child is about 7 or 8 years old, you should be brushing their teeth at least once per day. This is because many children lack the manual dexterity to brush their own teeth until they’re at least 7 or 8. So if your child wants to brush their own teeth, let them take a turn – then take a turn yourself.

Make An Appointment for A Checkup

Take your child for a dental checkup in Bellbrook OH to get more advice about toothbrushing. Call Bellbrook Family Dentistry today to make an appointment.

4 Ways to Encourage Good Dental Hygiene in Toddlers

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Some researchers suggest that as much as 60 percent of children have experienced some form of tooth decay by the time they are five years old. The fact is, the time nestled between infancy and post-toddler can be an eventual period in a child’s life. And, getting a rambunctious toddler on board with brushing can be tough.

First, be sure your child has a good pediatric dentist in Centerville. Then consider these ideas to help make brushing less problematic for a toddler.

1. Make Brushing Fun

Brushing may start out intriguing, but that initial curiosity about learning a new skill can quickly fade. Your goal is to keep brushing as fun as possible. This may mean making a game out of those two minutes of brushing, playing a favorite song every morning and night during brushing time, or even creating a sticker chart.

2. Lead By Example

Toddlers do model after the adults in their life. If you’re brushing every day, your toddler may naturally want to follow suit. Make a point to invite your little one into the bathroom with you when it’s time for you to brush and floss yourself.

3. Involve Favorite Characters

Many recognizable characters have videos out there to watch or books to read about brushing your teeth. These can be super helpful if your toddler is struggling. For example, check out the Brushy Brushy Song from Elmo.

4. Use the Right Products

Kid-friendly products are a must if you want a toddler to get interested in brushing and flossing. Thankfully, you have a ton of ADA-approved products that are perfect for the purpose, such as:

  • Toothbrushes that play a tune
  • Fun-shaped flossers
  • Toothpaste that sparkles, changes colors or offers fun flavors
  • Mouthwash that makes tooth stains a funky color before brushing them away

Work with a Pediatric Dentist in Centerville, OH

Toddlerhood can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a stressful time for your youngster’s oral health. If you are struggling to get your child to brush their teeth, be sure you work with a pediatric dentist in Centerville, OH to take other measures. Reach out to us at Bellbrook Family Dentistry to schedule your toddler’s appointment today.