Cavity Prevention 101: Keeping Your Child’s Mouth Clean – Going to the dentist’s office isn’t on the top of anyone’s list of favorite activities, especially not small children.
Of course, routine trips to the dentist are essential for your children’s dental health. Some visits can be avoided altogether with proper hygiene practices.
Keep reading to learn our top tips in cavity prevention for children. You might even find some ideas you can put into action for your own dental health, too.
Start ‘Em Young
Did you know that proper oral healthcare begins before your child gets their baby teeth? It’s true!
Kickstart a healthy mouth by rubbing your baby’s gums with a wet cloth. This ensures that no bacteria lingers in their mouths too long.
Do not let your little one (baby) fall asleep with a bottle in their mouth. This prevents a child’s mouth bacteria from producing acids that cause tooth decay.
Start using a toothbrush as soon as your little one gets their first tooth. You can use a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste on the brush. Start a flossing routine as soon as their teeth begin to touch one another.
Make their first dentist’s appointment around their first birthday. The sooner your children know that going to the pediatric dental clinic is a part of life, the better.
Be Smart With Food & Beverages Choices
Don’t let the word “fruit” in “fruit juice” fool you. Juice does not have the same nutritional value as whole fruit and is very high in sugar.
The same is true about options that claim to be “100% fruit juice.” Even these healthier choices can contribute to tooth erosion and cavities in adults.
When children drink sugary beverages, their mouth bacteria mix with those sugars and create a mild acid. This acid can have a lasting effect on your child’s enamel, causing tooth decay and cavities.
Provide 100% unsweetened juice options and limit their intake. Avoid soda altogether as it provides no nutritional value.
If your little one has a sweet tooth, offer healthier alternatives instead.
Crisp and water-dense veggies and fruits are great for hydration. They increase your child’s saliva production and will prevent bacteria from lingering on teeth.
Foods lofty in calcium like yogurt, cheese, and, milk can help promote strong and healthy teeth. Calcium is also essential for keeping the jaw bone healthy.
Help Them Brush
You don’t want to cut any corners when it comes to your children’s dental care. When they start brushing on their own, you must watch them until good habits take form.
Ensure they’re using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste every time they brush. Ideally, they’ll brush in the morning and before bed. Pay close attention to where the teeth and gums meet and brush there well.
The proper amount of time to spend brushing is around two minutes each session. Download an app or use a timer to ensure they’re hitting that two-minute mark.
Begin Your Cavity Prevention Routine Today
It’s easier to prevent cavities from forming than dealing (and paying) for them once they exist. With our handy guide to cavity prevention, your children can keep their whited pearly and healthy for longer.
Keep checking our website for more health and wellness tips.