Pediatric Dental Care in Honolulu, HI
At Pediatric Dentistry Kahala, we are passionate about helping our patients develop healthy, beautiful smiles that last them a lifetime. Dr. Hirai and our expert team of pediatric dental specialists work hard to treat each child on an individual, personalized level, and we have the knowledge and experience to make every visit to our office a pleasant experience for all involved. We place an emphasis on providing expert, high-quality pediatric dental care to patients in a fun, friendly office environment – and much of what we do centers around preventing, controlling, and healing cavities.
What Are Cavities and Why Do They Happen?
Simply put, a cavity is a hole in the tooth: it's a crater-like area where the tooth enamel has eroded away, exposing the underlying dentin on the inside of the tooth. So why do they happen? Cavities have a number of causes, including anything acidic like soda or sour candies, but the most common cause is bacteria. The bacteria that naturally live in your mouth can break down sugar into acids, which eat away at tooth enamel. Without proper oral hygiene, this acid can break through the enamel, forming a cavity.
Treating Cavities
When a cavity forms, it's best to treat it right away, as leaving it may allow it to worsen. To fix cavities, Dr. Hirai will fill them. This involves cleaning the cavity and surrounding tooth, then using a strong, biocompatible material to fill the hole left by the cavity. Once filled, the cavity stops growing and the tooth is restored to its normal look and function.
How to Prevent Cavities
Without a doubt, though, the best way to fight cavities is to prevent them from forming in the first place. The most important way to prevent cavities is through a diligent oral hygiene routine of daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to our office for cleanings and examinations. Additionally, staying away from acidic foods or foods high in sugar can help stave off cavities - instead, opt for a healthy diet filled with vegetables and low-fat cheese. With diligent care, it's entirely possible to prevent cavities entirely and keep children's teeth healthy all the way through adolescence and beyond.
Contact Your Honolulu, HI Pediatric Dentist
We hope you've found this page informative, and if you have more questions about cavities, we're always here to help. Dr. Hirai has helped countless patients develop beautiful, healthy smiles, and we take a holistic approach to help our patients achieve a beautiful smile in the long term. If you'd like to find out more about our services, think your child might have a cavity, or just have more questions, feel free to call us at (808) 737-0076 or reach out to us at our
contact page. We can't wait to hear from you!