How to Prevent Cavities in Children’s Teeth

You’ve heard it said that prevention is the best medicine. That philosophy also rings true when it comes to oral health. Studies have shown that children often miss more school if they have poor oral health. Here are some ways you can prevent cavities from forming on your child’s teeth.

Provide a Healthy Diet

There are several steps involved in the formation of cavities, but it all starts when residue from sugars and starches are left on the teeth. These sugary particles are feasted upon by bacteria, which produce acids that weaken and decay teeth. If the teeth aren’t strengthened with a healthy diet and improved oral hygiene, they develop permanent damage in the form of pits and holes, called cavities.

You probably reserve treats until after mealtime to keep your kids from spoiling their appetite for healthy foods. This is also a good practice for dental health because the additional saliva in your child’s mouth after a meal will help mitigate the harmful effects of the sugar. Avoid sticky candy when possible and don’t allow prolonged consumption of sugary drinks in sippy cups or bottles. Instead, encourage your child to drink more water. It helps prevent tooth decay by flushing bacteria from the mouth and encouraging the creation of saliva. It’s also good for your child to learn to prefer water over sugary sports drinks for hydration.

Encourage Consistent Brushing & Flossing

Because eliminating all foods that are bad for your child’s teeth isn’t a realistic option, teaching them moderation is key. However, even with a healthy diet it’s still important to keep their teeth clean.

You can do this by brushing your child’s teeth for two minutes both morning and evening. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and child-friendly fluoride toothpaste recommended by the American Dental Association. When they are old enough to brush on their own, supervise to be sure they are thorough. When your child has at least two teeth it’s time to introduce flossing. This helps to remove trapped food particles from between their teeth and from under the gums. At your child’s next dental visit, let us know if you want a demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques!

Schedule Routine Dental Visits

Regular preventive care visits at Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry in Kerrville, TX, are another important step in preventing cavities. Besides professional cleanings that eliminate plaque and tartar, we can provide fluoride treatments and sealants. These are known cavity preventers. We can also catch signs of decay early before your child experiences unnecessary pain, infection, and tooth loss.

Our team is specially trained to work with children and can perform a variety of pediatric dental services to suit your child’s needs. Contact us today to schedule your child’s next preventive or diagnostic exam. Remember, we want to see them every six months!

Categorised in: Cavity Prevention, Healthy Teeth, Kids Dental Care, Kids Teeth, Pediatric Dentist, Preventive Dental Care