Are you looking for ways to protect and preserve your child’s precious pearls? You are at the right place. Our teeth require undivided attention to keep them clean, healthy, and strong. Moreover, it’s good to get your kids started taking care of their teeth from a young age as tooth decay and cavities in children are frequent.
How Do Cavities Form?
Milk, candy, soft drinks, and other foods containing carbohydrates are harmful to teeth. They usually stick on our teeth and slowly suck the health out of them by fuelling the bacteria– forming a sticky film called plaque. Plaque leads to acid formation, which destroys the tooth enamel, causing tooth decay and cavities.
Children are also at risk of cavities, especially if they have:
- Decreased saliva production.
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Unhealthy levels of bacteria in their mouth.
- Bacteria due to elements like sugary snacks, carbohydrates & starch in their diet.
Precautions for Cavities in Children:
By following a few steps for healthy teeth, you can prevent cavities in your children. To do so, teach your child to stick by these guidelines regularly:
1. Brush & Brush!
That’s correct. At least two times a day, make it a habit for your child to brush their teeth.
Make sure they:
- Firstly, use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Brush their teeth gently, softly, and in circles.
- Brush all the surfaces of their teeth- including the outside, inside, and the top.
- Gently brush their gums to put a stop to build-ups.
- Brush for a full two minutes.
- Have a new toothbrush every 3 months or so.
- Brush their teeth before bed to prevent bacteria from residing on their teeth all night.
- After every meal, make sure they rinse their mouth with water.
- Avoid using a fluoride toothpaste for your child under 2 years of age unless approved by a dentist.
2. Introduce Flossing; Important to Fight Cavities in Children
Tell your children how brushing does not get all the bacteria in their mouth, especially those sitting between their teeth. Floss for them initially, but slowly teach them how to do it on their own. Developing healthy habits early on will reduce cavities in your children! In addition, it will help them maintain good oral hygiene.
3. Bring in Some Fluoride
Ensure that your child drinks fluoride-containing water or discuss the options of a fluoride supplement with your pediatric dentist. Also, talk to them about fluoride toothpaste for children above 2 years.
4. Say Hello to a Balanced Diet
Get your kid a nutritious diet with a limited number of carbohydrates. Make sure to include food options rich in Calcium, Vitamin C, and Proteins. A balanced diet coupled with good oral hygiene prevents cavities from forming in your children’s mouths.
5. Regular Dentist Visits to Avoid Cavities in Children
Start taking your child to the dentist twice every year when their first tooth appears. They can help by identifying any possible tooth issues early on.
Conclusion
Cavities in children are a risk to their oral health. It is better to introduce them to good oral habits and regularly visit the dentist to avoid this. Plus, a good diet never hurts anyone!
Or contact our dental experts at Vesna Arezina DDS by dialing 281.469.7469 or leaving a mail at drarezina@arezinadds.com.