Did you know that 42% of children aged 2 to 11 have cavities in their primary teeth? The thing is, many of these are preventable!
Child cavity issues can be painful, not to mention problematic for the future. So it’s important that you take preventative measures instead of reactive ones.
Here are some quick tips for child cavity prevention so you can keep your kids’ teeth in great shape!
Watch What You Feed Them
Children need nutritious foods to grow up healthy and strong. Not only can a good diet fight obesity and encourage growth, but it can also prevent cavities.
Only give them sugary snacks, drinks, and foods as special treats. Also, you might not think juice and sports drinks are culprits, but their sugar content is high. So avoid giving these to your kids.
Starchy foods can also cause cavities. These can increase plaque, and in turn, this increases tooth decay.
Encourage your children to drink more water. Hydrating is always a good thing, but it can also prevent bad bacteria from growing and sticking to their teeth.
Teach Them How to Brush and Floss Correctly
Brushing and flossing can be a chore, so your little ones might rush through these important routines. Make brushing and flossing a family activity so it’s fun! You can even put on some music so everyone can dance around while doing these usually boring tasks.
Grab your toothbrush and floss and have them mimic your actions. Make sure to brush at a 45-degree angle and use short strokes. Don’t forget to brush your tongue too!
Every day, your family should be brushing at least twice and flossing at least once.
Schedule Regular Checkups With the Dentist
The best way to practice good child cavity maintenance is to bring your kids to the dentist often. They might be scared of their appointments, so bring them when you go to your own checkups to show there’s nothing to be afraid of.
You’ll also want to find “the best kid dentist near me” to ensure that the staff is not only qualified, but also caring, kind, and patient. This will create positive memories so your children will have a good feeling about dentists and won’t be anxious about appointments as adults.
Wondering when to bring your kids to the dentist? Once their first tooth comes in, you should bring them to the dentist and make appointments twice a year.
Prevent Child Cavity Issues
Child cavity issues can lead to more serious ones later on in life. By tackling them early on, preventing cavities will be a cinch!
So remember to give your children a good diet, teach them to brush and floss correctly, and most importantly, schedule regular checkups with the dentist. Teaching your little ones good habits at an early age will make it easier for them to keep up with dental hygiene in the future.
Enjoyed this parents’ guide to cavities but need more help getting the kiddos healthy? Then keep reading our blog page!
