Tooth decay in children is one of most challenging aspects for many parents. Children love food with high sugar and starch content, which are the main contributors to cavities. Sugar and starches combined with food often leads to bacteria and the acids that eat away at children’s teeth. As your children begin to develop their teeth, the battle against cavities will begin. Smile Reef will share a few tips to help fight off cavities in your children’s teeth.
Brush Teeth Twice a Day
Once teeth begin to rupture, you will want to begin brushing your child’s teeth. As babies can sometimes begin developing teeth as early as three months, you do not need to use tooth paste. But brushing twice a day will greatly benefit the heath and longevity of the child’s teeth. As the child gets older, you will want to begin using child friendly tooth paste and mouth wash. The best way to prevent cavities is by making sure the child’s teeth are brushed and rinsed twice a day.
Floss to Prevent Cavities Between Teeth
Another major step in fighting cavities is by flossing. Flossing removes all of the food, plaque, and bacteria that gets stuck in between the teeth. If you do not floss your child’s teeth or enforce flossing as the child gets older, cavities will develop in between the teeth. Flossing should be done at least once a day, usually at night, to remove any food particles that may be trapped in between the teeth.
Eat Food for Strong Teeth & Gums
Teeth are not pre-made to be durable, cavity resistant and strong. The food your child eats will determine how strong the developing teeth will be. Make sure your child eats food rich in vitamins, minerals, and they get plenty of calcium. Additionally, it helps the jaw bone, muscles and teeth if the child eats tougher food like carrots, and other vegetables and fruits.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants can help prevent tooth decay. Most parents are not overly concerned about baby teeth. However a child will have their molars until they are twelve or longer. It is important to seal even the baby teeth, especially the molars. Sealants can help repel acidic damages to the teeth and reduce the impact plaque can have on the teeth. You can help prevent cavities by keeping the teeth sealed. A child should have their teeth sealed every three to five years.
Schedule Routine Dental Cleaning & Exams
With routine exams your child’s dentist can better monitor your child’s oral development. Along with routine exams, the child will receive a detailed cleaning which removes the plaque and other particles in the harder to reach areas. With proper monitoring and routine cleaning you can help your child fight cavities. A child should see their dentist every six months for a basic exam and cleaning.
Pediatric Dentistry
Even though children will lose their four front top and bottom teeth by the age of eight or nine, the molars will still remain and eventually the permanent teeth will begin to erupt. It is important to fight cavities and improve your child’s oral care. For quality pediatric dentistry, contact Smile Reef to schedule your next appointment today.
