Preventing Cavities In Children
Cavities are holes in the teeth that can grow larger and become deeper over time if left untreated. They are also one of the most common dental issues for people across all age groups. While they should never be taken lightly, there are ways you can prevent cavities from forming.
KEEP YOUR KIDS’ TEETH CAVITY-FREE
Good habits for health are easier to maintain if they are practised from a young age. Teach your children about dental hygiene and you can help them protect their teeth from cavities for their entire lives. Here are a few ways you can help them avoid cavities now and later in life:
- Minimize Sugary Snacks – Sugar is one of the main causes of cavities because it causes acidity to develop when it is left on the teeth. This acidity breaks down enamel and causes tooth decay.
- Visit a Dentist – Start bringing your children to a family dentist around 2-3 years old. At this age, getting a routine checkup is crucial to ensure their teeth are in good health. It will also help them to be comfortable at the dentist throughout their lives, making it easier and more likely that they will continue to maintain their oral hygiene as they get older.
- Eat a Balanced Diet – Feeding your children a nutritious and well-balanced diet including fruits and vegetables supports their overall health. Their dental health and tooth strength will also benefit, helping them fend off cavities. As an added bonus, eating healthy raw vegetables can help remove plaque on teeth as you chew!
- Brush and Floss – The old standbys in oral healthcare are widely known and recommended for good reason: they work. Start teaching your children how to properly brush their teeth and floss twice a day. This will remove any lingering sugar or food particles that form plaque buildup and cause cavities.
- Avoid Sticky Foods – Sticky foods often contain sugar and are very difficult to fully remove from teeth. Young children may not notice the leftover residue on their teeth, making them susceptible to cavity formation.
- Rinse Pacifiers – Make sure you take the time to rinse your child’s pacifier and remove any residue, buildup or acidity that may have formed. The pacifier rests on your child’s teeth, so it should be as clean as possible.
- Bedtime Beverages – Don’t send your child to bed with milk, formula, juice or sweetened water, which will leave residue on their teeth and gums overnight. The mouth often becomes dry while we sleep, creating better conditions for cavity formation. Choose water to quench nighttime thirst instead, which won’t leave a sugary coating behind.
Looking for a family dentist in Edmonton? The team at Janz Family Dental offers friendly and comprehensive dental care for you and your children. Help your child appreciate a life of healthy teeth and schedule a teeth cleaning appointment today.
