6 Ways to Prevent Your Child from Developing Cavities
Cavities are common in children, with as many as 20% of children aged 5 to 11 living with at least one decayed tooth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to being painful, untreated cavities, including in baby teeth, can lead to more serious issues. Though baby teeth eventually fall out, their health can affect the health of your child’s permanent teeth, causing oral issues and raising the risk of other illnesses.
My Kidz Dentist in Phoenix, Arizona prioritizes the care of little teeth, where our team of experienced and compassionate providers offer the professional guidance that helps you better manage your child’s oral health.
How do I prevent cavities in my child?
We understand how busy parents can get — working, staying healthy, cooking for the family, picking up the children, and so on. It’s tempting to grab quick bites on the road and give your children sweet treats to tide them over, but these conveniences can increase your child’s risk of tooth decay.
Luckily, you don’t have to choose between convenience and dental health. Taking better care of your child’s teeth can be worked into your schedule with a few friendly tips from our professionals.
Take your child for regular check-ups
We’d like to see your child in our offices for each of their biannual professional cleanings. Even with excellent daily dental care, your dental provider gives a deeper cleaning and a better look at your child’s teeth and gums. Taking care of your child’s teeth on a long-term, regular basis is how we can best care for your child’s oral health.
Make taking care of teeth fun
It can be a challenge to motivate kids to care for their teeth. Teach your children to enjoy brushing their teeth by making it fun. Start with a fun toothbrush, and let your child choose their own toothpaste. When it’s time for bed, play a little game that teaches your child to brush all of the surfaces of their teeth. Turn on their favorite song and brush along. Give them a sticker when they’ve brushed properly, and don’t forget the high-five!
Choose tooth-friendly foods
Fibrous foods are good for your child’s digestion, and your child’s teeth. High-fiber, low-sugar fruits like blackberries and raspberries are gentle on teeth. Dairy, legumes, nuts, carrots, and granola can help keep your child’s teeth healthy.
Make flossing easy
Along with a fun toothbrush and toothpaste, you may want to choose a small flossing device to assist your child as they learn how to floss on their own. These devices are perfectly shaped for little hands to help them easily reach the back teeth for a thorough flossing.
Encourage your child to drink plenty of water
Fluoride in drinking water strengthens enamel, and water helps wash away the food residue and particles that decay-causing bacteria feeds on. Make water regularly available and encourage your child to choose it over sugary drinks. Set a positive example by staying hydrated yourself.
Skip the sugar
It’s no secret that sugary snacks and beverages aren’t just bad for your teeth, but also bad for your body. Even fruit juices typically contain a great deal of harmful sugar that will do your child more harm than good in the long run. Sugar can be difficult to avoid, so make sure that your child has ready access to healthy snacks.
What do I do if my child has a cavity?
If your child has a cavity, don’t panic — your provider at My Kidz Dentist may be able to see a cavity before it becomes serious, which is part of the reason that we need to see your child at least twice per year. Cavities may or may not hurt, but to optimize your child’s oral health, call My Kidz Dentist at any of our three locations, or book an appointment with us online.