Although your children will eventually lose their baby teeth, it’s still important to ensure they don’t have cavities while young. Your child’s dentist can help in preventing cavities by applying sealants to teeth that are weak or that look as though they might develop cavities before your child loses them. There are also a few things that you can do at home to help in preventing cavities while teaching your children about proper oral health.
One way to prevent cavities in children is to teach them how and when to brush their teeth. The toothbrush should be the right size for your child’s mouth and have soft bristles so that it doesn’t irritate the gums. You should also use toothpaste that has fluoride in it as this can help to protect the teeth. Mouthwash can be used when rinsing, especially at night as it can sit on the teeth and provide protection while your child is sleeping. Teach your children the importance of flossing as well because this removes food particles and other debris from between the teeth.
Instead of sugary snacks, try to give your children as many healthy foods as possible. Fruits and vegetables that are crunchy often help to keep the teeth clean compared to those that are soft and tend to linger on the teeth. Avoid a lot of fruits and fruit juices that have a lot of natural sugars in them as these can have a similar impact to chips and candy. However, fruits and vegetables of any kind are healthier options than candies and other sweet treats and sodas.
Make regular appointments for your children with their dentist. When you go to the dentist, you should talk about any issues that you are concerned about, such as tooth pain or bleeding gums. Your children’s dentist will usually provide education about the proper way to brush and floss teeth while taking an X-ray to determine if there are any cavities that should be treated. Sealants are an option to consider and are often used to prevent cavities from forming once the permanent teeth come through. Another way to help prevent cavities is to encourage drinking plenty of water to keep the mouth clean and to avoid eating foods that are sticky as they can remain on the teeth for a longer time.
Learn more about ways that you can help prevent cavities in children by making an appointment with Ashburn Children’s Dentistry. At our convenient location in Ashburn, VA, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to answer any questions you may have and keep your kids’ teeth healthy for a lifetime. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!
