Preventing cavities & tooth decay in your child’s mouth should be one of your top priorities during their infancy and adolescence! Tooth decay usually occurs when the structure of the tooth deteriorates due to acid-producing bacteria. Decay and cavities can be effectively prevented by closely monitoring their oral hygiene & diet and taking them in for a regular dental checkup every six months! In this article, we’ll dive deeper into how you can protect your children from cavities and tooth decay!
Good Oral Hygiene Is Essential
Once your baby’s teeth start to emerge from their gums, you should begin an oral hygiene routine immediately. Waiting for your child to grow in several or all their teeth could give room for decay. Children’s oral hygiene routine should begin with brushing their teeth at least twice a day. Remember that the right toothpaste will help protect their enamel and will encourage healthy, strong, cavity-resistant teeth. Be sure to use a soft toothbrush and brush their teeth for two minutes at a time. Children should also be flossing their teeth at least once per day!
Control What Your Children Eat
Many children have a sweet tooth, meaning they like to snack on sweets and other sugary foods whenever possible. One of the ways to protect your children from cavities & tooth decay is to reduce the sugar content they consume daily. Instead, try to have them consume more vegetables and fresh fruit, both of which will come with vast health benefits, including preventing tooth decay.
Regular Check-Ups With Your Dentist
You can help your children grow strong, healthy teeth by bringing them in for a checkup every 6 months once their baby teeth start to grow in. Not only will your child’s dentist professionally clean their teeth and reach spots that you can’t with your at-home brushing & flossing, but they’ll also identify potential problems with your child’s oral health and give recommendations & treatment plans on how to fix them!
Apply Dental Sealants
One more highly effective way to prevent cavities & tooth decay in your child’s mouth is to get them dental sealants. Dental sealants are a protective coating that prevents bacteria from accessing the area when dental cavities develop in children. The process involves painting a thin, plastic coating on the chewing surfaces of the teeth where decay is most likely to occur.
Contact Gentle Dental Maine!
If you have any additional questions about your child’s oral health routine, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at Gentle Dental Maine! Our family dentists specialize in general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry services at each of our offices in South Portland, Biddeford, and Topsham. Give us a call at any one of our offices, or if you’re not yet a patient with us, please fill out the new patient form on our website!