Cavities are often one of the first dental woes to impact children. The infamous toothache that appears after having their favorite sugary snack — and is ultimately followed by a call to their dentist and a new filling.
While getting them may seem inevitable, there are actually steps you can take starting today to protect your children’s teeth from cavities. Here’s what you need to know.
Encourage Good Oral Hygiene
Cavities do not like good oral hygiene habits. Encourage your children to brush their teeth at least twice each day, morning and night. They should also be flossing daily to remove anything that may be hanging out between the teeth.
Sometimes leading by example is the best way to get this accomplished.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Visits to the dentist can stop issues before they get worse. In this case, routine visits can allow for the removal of plaque buildup to reduce the chance of cavities. Regardless of how well your children take care of their teeth, there are always areas that get missed. (This goes for adults, too!)
Take your kids to the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and dental exam.
Drink Plenty of Water
A dry mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria - and that is the opposite of what you want. Keep your child hydrated by drinking a lot of water. Not only is it good for the body, it keeps the mouth moist, and it can flush away bacteria and debris while they drink.
It is normal for parents to provide various juices to their children. Unfortunately, many of these juices and sports drinks have a lot of sugar – and this can lead to cavities.
Stick to water as much as possible.
Avoid Unnecessary Sugar
Eating too many sugary treats can contribute to the formation of cavities. While kids will undoubtedly have sugar, try to limit it as much as possible — and continually encourage brushing their teeth well before bed to remove anything that decides to stick around.
Teach Your Child to Not Share Foods and Beverages
Sharing foods and beverages with others can transfer bacteria from one mouth to the next Just because your child has a good oral hygiene routine doesn’t mean the other kids at school do.
Teach your child not to share foods and beverages with others to avoid this swapping of bacteria.
Consider Dental Sealants
Lastly, dental sealants can be a very worthwhile addition to your children's cavity prevention toolbox. They are made of a safe resin material that is applied to the surface of the teeth – primarily the molars.
Because the sealants can fill in all the crevices where bacteria would normally hide and eat away at the enamel, the teeth have their own protective shield.
Dental sealants are simple to apply and can be done in one office visit. The best part is that they are often covered by dental insurance as they are viewed as preventative care.
Pediatric Dentistry at Bisson Dentistry
Has your child been to the dentist recently? Routine visits are a great way to protect your little ones from getting cavities. At Bisson Dentistry, we offer pediatric dentistry services to help our youngest patients set a solid foundation for their oral health.
To learn more about our services, contact us today at 519-821-3561. Or, request an appointment online.