Having cavities filled is no fun for kids. But routine oral hygiene is essential to keeping your child’s teeth healthy and preventing potential future cavities. If you install good practices early on in life, those habits will continue as they grow up.
Protecting your child’s teeth is essential and can be accomplished by following these 5 easy tips!
1) Install a daily routine.
The easiest and most obvious good practice is to maintain a strict daily routine. Kids should brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day.
2) Avoid snacking
Consistent snacking especially on sweet foods, creates opportunities for cavities. Limit snacking to only healthy foods and try to brush or rinse with water or mouthwash afterward.
3) Make healthy choices
Choosing fruits that are full of water keeps the mouth hydrated and helps prevent cavities. Also, try to get kids to drink lots of water and avoid soda and sugary juices. Choose juices that are 100 percent fruit because too much acid and sugar are bad for teeth.
Nuts and cheeses are great options because they have ingredients that work to remineralize teeth. Avoid sticky foods like cookies, candy and fruit leather, which can be extremely harmful to teeth.
4) Don’t share food or drinks
Bacteria that cause cavities can be passed between people. So avoid sharing food and encourage your kids not to share their food with friends.
5) Visit the pediatric dentist
Bringing your kids to the dentist on a regular basis for teeth cleaning is essential to catching smaller issues before they become cavities. It’s important to find a dental home before their first birthday. Then, try to visit your dentist twice a year.
Also, ask your dentist about dental sealants that can be placed on a child's teeth to prevent decay. The process is simple and can help prohibit future cavities.
Think about choosing Dentistry for Children and Adolescents for your child’s dental home. We will work with your family’s unique needs to ensure every child has the best dental health.
