Book Appointment
Cavities are more than just a problem. They’re painful, frustrating, and all too familiar for children. It can seem like climbing a never-ending mountain, but the fact is that cavities can be prevented. It comes down to simple habits, good choices, and consistency. Teaching your child good dental habits from a young age is the key to a lifetime of healthy, happy teeth. And here’s the thing. The process isn’t complicated. With a few simple steps, you can give your child a head start on good oral health from day one.
Let’s take a closer look at what actually works when it comes to keeping your little one cavity-free.
Start with Brushing and Flossing the Right Way
Brushing and flossing are still the best defence against cavities. Kids should brush thoroughly twice daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. However, let’s face it, kids don’t always take the time to thoroughly brush.
For the first seven to eight years, they will have to be taught how to do it correctly. They should be shown how to clean their teeth in circular motions. They should also be taught how to floss. Food particles tend to accumulate in the spaces in between the teeth, and the best way to clean them is by flossing.
Watch the Sugar Intake
Sugary snacks and drinks are tough on teeth. Each time the child consumes the snacks and drinks, the mouth is filled with bacteria that lead to the production of acids that affect the teeth.
Cut back on sugary snacks and drinks in the daytime. Provide crunchy vegetables, fresh fruits, yoghurt, and cheese instead. Even if you want to indulge in a sweet treat, consume it during a meal. The salivary glands produce more saliva during meals, and this also aids in removing sugar from the mouth.
Make Regular Dentist Visits a Habit
Dental checkups twice a year aren’t just about cleaning. They can help identify potential problems, provide kids with professional polishing, and protect teeth with fluoride and sealants.
The sooner children are introduced to dentists, the less they will fear them when they are older. Regular visits help them trust and feel less anxious and teach them why it is important to take care of their teeth.
Say Yes to Fluoride Protection
Fluoride really changes the game. It makes the teeth stronger and more resistant to decay. Typically, kids get all the fluoride they need from toothpaste, but some kids may benefit from additional applications if the water they drink isn’t fluoridated.
Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Make sure your child spits it out and doesn’t swallow it. You can also consult your dentist about a fluoride mouthwash or supplement.
Healthy Snacks and Water Go a Long Way
Crunchy vegetables, cheese, and nuts give your child’s body lots of energy. They also help to naturally clean teeth. Crunchy foods increase saliva, which helps to remove bits of food from teeth as children chew. Water is what keeps children’s mouths fresh.
Drinking water throughout the day, and especially after eating, is encouraged. This is one of the simplest ways to promote oral health without making a big deal out of it.
Also Read – How to Choose the Right Pediatric Dentist for Your Child
Give Your Child the Gift of a Healthy Smile
Achieving good oral health is not something that can be accomplished overnight. Instead, it is something that must be worked towards over time through intelligent oral habits and practices. By practising the habit of brushing, moderating sugar intake, attending routine visits, and fueling the mouth with oral-friendly foods, you are setting up your child for success in oral health.
Need help keeping your child’s smile healthy? Book a visit with Smithville Dental today. Your child’s bright, confident smile is just a step away.