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Child dentist Geneva

Prevention and care

Dental caries

What is tooth decay?

It is a tooth disease that destroys the structures of enamel and dentin. The evolution of decay goes from the outside (enamel) to the inside (dental pulp) and leads to the formation of a cavity. The origin of decay is bacterial and can be promoted by poor oral hygiene and too frequent exposure to sugar.

How to avoid cavities in children?

Certain rules should be followed to prevent the appearance of cavities:

Practice good oral hygiene

From an early age, your child should be well educated in oral hygiene. As soon as the first tooth appears, Baby's tooth should be brushed, without toothpaste, once a day. You can use a suitable compress or mini toothbrush, making circular movements. From the age of two, you should brush your teeth twice a day - morning and evening - for at least 2 minutes, with suitable toothpaste. If your child is reluctant to brush his teeth, you can try using a connected toothbrush, which will give him access to games or small cartoons.

Choosing a toothbrush and toothpaste adapted to your child's age

The child must have his own toothbrush, to be changed every three months as soon as the teeth appear in the mouth. Soft hairs are recommended. In order to be well advised on the choice of the right toothbrush and on the right brushing technique, it is important to consult a Dental Hygienist who will give you all the necessary instructions.

Limit sugar

For many health issues, including dental health, it is important to monitor your child's sugar intake. If it is not a question of depriving him of sweets, it is necessary to reserve it for special occasions. Sweets, sodas, sweet fruit juices must be foods for exceptional consumption!

Make regular monitoring visits

A first check-up with the dentist and/or a dental hygienist is recommended from the age of 2 years. Thereafter, an annual control is essential but if necessary, closer visits may be indicated.

How do you treat cavities?

The dentist can also prevent cavities in the teeth by applying a resin to the surface of the teeth. This technique, mainly for children, is called crack sealing.

Cavities that have not had time to reach the tooth pulp are easily treated and require only a simple composite resin filling. Once cleaned, the cavity is plugged, so the tooth pulp is preserved and the tooth is alive. The result is immediate and aesthetic.

Sometimes when the decay is too deep and too close to the nerve, it is necessary to do a devitalization of the tooth.