How To Prevent Tooth Decay In Your Children

One of the most common dental issues for children is tooth decay. If you have a young child, it is important to take preventative measures to help avoid this problem as much as possible. Here are some things you can do to help keep tooth decay and cavities at bay:

Choose a Pediatric Dentist

If you have not yet done so, choose a dentist for your child by their first year. Pediatric dentists are best for children because they have had extra training to take care of young kids. You should choose a dentist you feel is trustworthy, has a happy office environment, and one that your child likes.

Develop a Healthy Oral Hygiene Routine

Even if your child does not yet have a lot of teeth, you still need to start a good cleaning routine. For instance, you can clean your child's gums with a toddler toothbrush or even a soft cloth and water. This will help improve the health of their baby teeth. It also gets your child used to taking care of their teeth early on.

Flossing is also important. Unfortunately, some children do not respond well to flossing. One way to help get over the fear and frustration is for you to both floss your teeth together. If your child sees you flossing, that may make them less apprehensive about the process.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

It is not a surprise that some children can be picky eaters. Even so, you need to make sure your child eats a pretty healthy diet that is free from sugary drinks and excess starches. Children drink a lot, so try to encourage your child to drink more water rather than fruit juice or soda. Sugary drinks tend to get on the teeth and encourage decay. Starchy foods are fine in moderation, but they can be damaging to the teeth if they are eaten all the time. Foods like bread, crackers, and chips can easily get stuck in the teeth. If your child enjoys starchy foods, always make sure they brush their teeth afterward in order to get the food out of the teeth.

If your child does not have any allergies, try to encourage more dairy. Dairy is important to the tooth enamel. Dairy products help to neutralize dangerous acids that can eat away at the tooth enamel. Such products your child will benefit from consuming include yogurt, cheese, and milk.

The best way to avoid decay and cavities is to take your child to the dentist regularly. This way you can catch any potential issues early before they become a big, painful problem. Contact a children's dentist for more information.