6 Ways to Prevent Cavities in Children
Cavities are holes that develop in the tooth enamel and are usually a result of plaque, which is a sticky bacterial film that clings to the tooth surface as it digests the starches and sugars from your food intake. Plaque bacteria produce acids that eat away the tooth enamel. Because this protective outer layer will not regrow once decayed, it is important to take steps to prevent cavities from developing in the first place.
If your child develops a cavity, you do not have to worry too much. Sometimes, even the best efforts can lead to unexpected tooth decay. Or maybe you do not know all the steps that will keep cavities at bay. Do not be too harsh on yourself, and know that you can prevent future cavities from happening and give your child good oral health. Below are 6 ways to prevent cavities in children.
1. Start them early by brushing.
Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they appear. Wipe them using a washcloth or a soft toothbrush intended for babies. By three or four years of age, get them to brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste. They might still need assistance at this age, so make sure to stay by them to make sure they are doing it properly. See to it that the child uses the right brush, angle, and pressure. By 7 years, they should be able to successfully do it on their own.
2. Teach them how to floss.
Once they have teeth that touch, get them started with flossing. Do so at least once daily. Children might have a hard time using string floss, so start them with floss picks. You should find them in various designs, shapes, and flavors to appeal to children.
3. Get them to drink lots of water.
Water washes away food particles in the mouth while keeping it hydrated. It also helps balance the pH to control bacteria growth. Get your child into the habit of drinking water as soon as possible. Aside from helping control cavities, it also has many more lasting effects as they grow.
4. Limit their sugar intake.
Sugary foods include energy drinks, soft drinks, and juices. Aside from helping reduce cavities, limiting sugar intake is also good for their overall health. They can still get the benefits of fruit juice by having them eat the actual fruit. Watch out for starchy and sticky foods as well because they are so hard to get off. Snack foods like pretzels and cheese crackers also form a coating on the teeth that stays even after brushing.
5. Schedule regular dental visits.
Starting them early makes it easier as they grow older. Look for a good pediatric dentist in your area and take them twice a year. The dentist can regularly monitor their health and give them thorough cleanings that remove tartar buildup. They can also give fluoride treatments and notice early signs of decay and take care of it before it becomes worse.
6. Ask about dental sealants.
During a visit with the dentist, ask them about dental sealants. These are applied to the teeth of kids to add an extra layer of protection until the enamel is completely developed. It also fills cracks and spaces to keep bacteria from getting in and causing problems. It is easy, pain-free, and will add years of protection to your child’s teeth.
The health of your kid’s mouth and teeth starts with good habits at a young age. Aside from brushing and flossing their teeth, also teach them the right foods and habits to resist tooth decay. The ones listed above are some of the best ways to prevent cavities to get them started on the journey to good oral health.
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