7 Amazing Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay in Children

Caries is the most common dental issue in both adults and children. Caries in children can ruin oral health and increase the risk of tooth problems in adulthood. Parents should help their children keep their teeth healthy. It is necessary for parents to prevent caries in children since they cannot do it independently. 

The enamel of milk teeth is very thin, therefore, all processes in the child's oral cavity proceed quickly and without symptoms. Keep reading to learn how to prevent dental caries in your child. 

1. Don’t Share Foods and Drinks with your Child

Tooth decay is a condition caused by decay-causing bacteria. This means that these bacterias can easily move from you to your children when you share food or drinks with them. If you have tooth decay or other dental issues like gum diseases, avoid sharing food and drinks with your kid. 

2. Avoid Snacking

When your child constantly snacks, it creates a perfect environment for cavity-causing bacteria breeding. Bacteria feed on the food particles that remain between the teeth producing acids that destroy the enamel. Replace sweet snacks with healthy ones like fruits. If your children can brush or rinse their mouth after snacking, that's even better. Brushing helps remove bacterias and food debris from the mouth. This decreases the risk of tooth decay significantly. 

3. Drink Plenty of Water 

Drinking plenty of water is very important in preventing tooth decay. It is recommended to drink tap water since it contains fluoride. If you are not sure about the quality of tap water in your house, then use a filter or opt for bottled water with added fluoride. Fluoride is a key ingredient in preventing tooth decay in both children and adults. This ingredient can even cure a tooth that has been already affected by cavity-causing bacterias. 

4. Visit a Pediatric Dentist Regularly

It is very important to find the best pediatric dentist and visit them regularly. In children, tooth decay often develops very fast and asymptomatically. At first sight, tooth decay may look like white or brown spots on the surface of the tooth. For this reason, parents often confuse it with tooth discoloration and leave it untreated. The dentist can recognize whether your child is at risk of tooth decay and prescribe appropriate treatment. 

5. Minimize Sugary Beverages

Most drinks like soda or juice contain a lot of added sugars. Sugar feeds cavity-causing bacteria in your child’s mouth. By giving your children sweetened beverages regularly, you increase their risk of tooth decay. Juice and soda often have high acidity. Acids destroy the sensitive enamel of children’s teeth making it easier for bacterias to penetrate the teeth. 

Avoid giving your child sweetened drinks. Replace them with drinks without added sugar. This will help minimize the risk of tooth decay. 

6. Consider Dental Sealants

Sealants are a fast and easy way to protect your child's teeth. Dental sealants perform the function of barriers protecting cavity-prone areas. The doctor applies them to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Sometimes the dentist may use dental sealants to cover deep pits and grooves in the child’s teeth. Dental sealants are recommended for both milk and permanent teeth.

7. Practice Good Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene is probably the most important measure in preventing tooth decay. It is important to make your child aware of the importance of proper dental care. Your children need to brush their teeth, floss them, and rinse regularly. Choose an appropriate toothpaste and natural mouthwash without alcohol. By practicing good dental habits, the risk of tooth decay can be lowered significantly.