Child Dentist Shares 5 Tips To Prevent Cavities in Children
Do you want to make trips to the dentist more enjoyable for your kids and less costly for you?
When you know how to prevent cavities in kids, you can ensure a great dental checkup for your child.
Plus, you will protect your children from experiencing painful cavities and tooth decay.
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria builds up in the mouth, creating plaque and tartar. From there, the buildup eats away at healthy teeth, creating small holes known as cavities.
When left untreated, severe tooth decay can lead to oral infection, disease and even worse. Some untreated cavities can get so bad that the entire tooth needs to be removed.
Don’t let this happen to you or your kids.
In this article, you will learn:
- How to prevent cavities in toddlers
- Ways to prevent kids’ tooth decay
- Secrets to a great dental checkup for your child
And much more.
Keep reading to discover 5 helpful tips to prevent cavities in children, according to Dr. Derek J Chang, the best child dentist in Corpus Christi, Texas.
#1) Teach Your Kids Healthy Brushing Habits From a Young Age
Are you instilling healthy brushing habits in your children’s everyday routine?
As a reminder, there are three main ways to maintain proper oral hygiene:
- Visit your family dentist regularly
- Brush 2-3 times per day
- Floss daily
But following those three steps is not enough.
To guarantee a clean mouth, teach your kids to brush properly. For proper teeth brushing technique, your children should use short, angled strokes and keep pressure to a minimum.
And don’t forget to teach your kids to brush their teeth thoroughly, focusing on every tooth – front and back – in the oral cavity.
Pro Tip: Buy a soft bristle toothbrush for your children. Children have sensitive gums, and hard bristle toothbrushes can cause tooth damage and gum recession.
#2) Feed Your Family Foods That Prevent Tooth Decay
Did you know what you eat plays a major role in your oral health?
You probably already know that eating a ton of candy can be detrimental to your child’s dental health. If you always feed yours kids foods high in sugar, your family dentist is more likely to find cavities at your child’s next checkup.
But did you know foods high in carbohydrates, like bread and pasta, are also major cavity culprits? Since starchy foods digest as sugar, they can cause just as much harm as sweet treats.
Luckily, there are some foods that do the exact opposite.
For example, ginger has antibacterial properties that have the power to break down plaque buildup. And dairy products contain casein, a substance that wards off acidity and prevents decay.
Here are more foods to eat for healthy teeth:
- Whole grains
- Dark, leafy greens
- Low-fat dairy products
- Fibrous fruits and vegetables
And more.
Pro Tip: Foods with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties tend to be extremely beneficial for your oral health.
#3) Make Brushing Fun For Kids
Are your kids brushing for two full minutes every time they brush their teeth?
Two minutes is a long time for a kid. So, how can you keep your child’s attention on their teeth for that long?
The answer is simple: make brushing fun for kids! Turn teeth brushing time into a fun game for your kids so that they’ll actually look forward to their everyday dental routine.
Here are some fun teeth brushing games you can play with your kids:
- Create a rewards program by giving your child a star towards a prize every time they brush properly
- Download an app for teeth brushing – you’ll be surprised how many there are!
- Give your child a toothbrush to practice brushing on their toys
- Make up a two-minute teeth brushing song
- Let your child practice brushing your teeth
- Brush your teeth with your child
And more. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
When you make teeth brushing fun for kids, they won’t see it as a task. Instead, they will be excited about their routine and more receptive to brushing on a regular basis.
#4) Give Your Kids Vitamins For Tooth Strength
Did you know certain vitamins work wonders for your teeth?
For instance, vitamin D supplements for your teeth can help fight tooth decay. Vitamin D helps you absorb more calcium and phosphorus, both of which strengthen enamel and prevent decay.
But vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus are just the start. There are plenty of other vitamins and minerals that are great for your child’s teeth.
Vitamins & Minerals For Healthy Teeth & Gums
- Vitamin A keeps saliva healthy
- Zinc fights against plaque and bacteria
- Fluoride prevents cavities and tooth decay
- B vitamins like niacin and riboflavin reduce gum inflammation
- Vitamin K, also known as potassium, promotes jaw strength
And so much more.
#5) Start Seeing Your Trusted Family Dentist Early & Regularly
Do you know when you should take your child to the dentist for the first time?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you should bring your child to the dentist by the time they turn one year old. And you shouldn’t wait longer than six months after their first tooth erupts.
But the reality is that most parents wait much longer than this. On average, children don’t see a family dentist until they reach 2 or 3 years old.
Don’t wait that long to bring your child into your trusted family dentist. When you start your child’s dentist visits early, you will be able to monitor their oral health from age one.
Plus, you’ll start building a bond between your dentist and your child from a young age. This will make dental visits less scary and more comfortable for your kids.
Find The Right Dentist For Your Children Right Now
Bring Your Kids To The Best Corpus Christi Dentist
Are you ready to find the best family dentist for your children?
Dr. Derek J Chang, DDS has been practicing family dentistry in Corpus Christi, Texas for over a decadeyears. He will will make you and your kids feel comfortable from the moment you step in the office. We look forward to seeing you!
And right now Dr. Chang’s Family Dentistry is accepting new patients for a limited time. Together we can prevent cavities in your children.
Click here or call 361-992-7631 to schedule your child’s dental appointment with our Corpus Christi dental office right now.
Resource Links:
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/fun-ways-to-encourage-kids-to-brush
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/back-to-school
