6 Tips on How To Prevent Cavities in Children

Let's face it, kids and even adults are not fans of visiting a dentist. However, we must stay aware of the importance of oral hygiene. Preventing a health issue early on is way easier than addressing it after it progresses into a severe condition. Although children dislike flossing, being successful in establishing excellent dental habits early in life will help them preserve their dental health and allow them to smile without feeling self-conscious. Following a few simple suggestions will help protect your child's teeth from cavities.

Read on to find out about the six great tips that can help keep teeth healthy and prevent cavities.

1. Proper brushing and flossing
It is crucial that you set healthy practices for your children in order to encourage good brushing behavior. Your children will be naturally inclined to take care of their teeth if they see you doing the same thing. Many parents find it beneficial to clean their teeth at the same time as their kids. Brushing may be made to feel considerably less repetitive by engaging in this process together. Don’t miss your chance to make sure your child is brushing their teeth and gums correctly and to demonstrate the proper technique. 

No doubt, you want to use the best toothbrush made for kids. Thankfully, there are many kids' toothbrushes on the market, including those that are brightly colored. Getting a toothbrush featuring Disney princesses or your child’s favorite cartoon character can help turn brushing into a fun and exciting activity.  

One more important item is highlighting the importance of flossing. Particularly for kids, dental floss is an excellent tool for removing debris from foods high in sugar and carbohydrates.

2. Develop a healthy diet
Certain foods can result in cavities. Try to avoid foods that are sugary or sticky, like taffy, honey, or caramel. The amount of acidic plaque in the mouth increases after eating these foods. Food debris might be challenging to get rid of from the teeth and may cause tooth decay by producing acid. Try replacing such foods with fruits and vegetables or other healthy options. Teach your kid to clean their teeth after every meal and snack. Soda and juices are sugary beverages, which is bad for your child’s sensitive teeth as well. Consider adding more nuts and cheese to your child’s diet. They both are high in acid-fighting compounds that support tooth remineralization.

3. Take fluoride treatment into account
Tooth decay is reversible at the earliest stage. The term "soft spot" refers to the stage of tooth decay where a cavity has not yet fully formed but the enamel of the tooth is beginning to deteriorate. A fluoride treatment is typically provided following an oral examination and involves painting your child's teeth with a fluoride-rich gel. Fluoride helps weak teeth to remineralize and strengthen themselves, which can stop mild tooth decay and keep cavities from developing.

4. Don’t share your snacks
Don't share your foods and drinks, as this can help cavities spread! It is important to refrain from sharing foods and beverages with youngsters because the bacteria that cause them can be transferred from one person to another.

5. Drink more water
Encourage your kid to consume a lot of water. Drinking water contains fluoride, which helps strengthen the enamel and wash away food residue that decay-causing bacteria feed on. Provide water frequently and encourage your child to choose it over sweetened beverages. Set a good example by staying hydrated as well.

6. Visit a dentist on regular basis
Dental checkups for children are just as important as those for adults. The health of your child's mouth will be evaluated by the specialist. Experts will thoroughly clean your child's teeth during routine exams, removing plaque and tartar from their mouth's difficult-to-reach places. Additionally, they will look for cavities and take care of any abnormalities before they worsen.