We see parents every day who are shocked to learn their child has a cavity. After all, their child brushes and flosses every day. Some kids who brush and floss regularly still get cavities, though. These kids are not alone. Dental caries is the most common infectious diseases affecting humans. Unfortunately, brushing and flossing alone won’t always prevent cavities. As a parent, fostering good oral hygiene habits early on can set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Here’s how to help your child avoid cavities.
1. Brush children’s teeth as soon as they get their first tooth.
It is good to introduce brushing at the appearance of the first tooth. For babies and infants, a washcloth or teething toothbrush can be used as this method will be more readily accepted by the child. At this age, it is not necessary to use fluoride, and toothpaste specially made for babies and young children without fluoride is best as they will like the taste and want to swallow the paste or suck on the brush. For children 3 to 6 years and those able to spit out toothpaste, a pea-sized dollop of fluoride-containing toothpaste is appropriate.
2. Teach Proper Brushing Techniques
Two Minutes, Twice a Day: Teach your child to brush for at least two minutes, twice a day. Use a timer or play a song to make it fun.
Focus on Technique: Emphasize brushing all surfaces of the teeth—outer, inner, and chewing surfaces—using gentle, circular motions.
3. Healthy Diet Choices
Limit Sugary Snacks: Encourage healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products while limiting sugary snacks and beverages. If they do indulge, opt for treats during meals rather than between meals to reduce cavity risk.
Encourage Water Intake: Water, especially fluoridated tap water, is essential for oral health. It helps wash away food particles and can aid in remineralizing enamel.
4. Limit Sippy Cups and Bottles
Encourage children to transition away from bottles and sippy cups by age one. Prolonged use can lead to tooth decay, especially if they contain sugary liquids.
5. Don’t let them graze! Restrict meal and snack times.
Each time your child eats a snack, they are giving the bacteria a chance to eat, too. Limit the number times a day your child eats. If they must have a snack between meals, be sure to pick wisely. Drink plenty of water after snacks, too.
6. Educate About the Importance of Oral Health
Teach your children why taking care of their teeth matters. Discuss how cavities can affect their health, appearance, and even self-esteem.
7. Take them to the dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning and check up.
Okay, you knew we had to include this tip! Regular professional cleanings can remove tartar. In addition, your dentist can apply fluoride treatments to help strengthen your child’s teeth as they grow. The stronger your child’s teeth are, the more difficult it is for bacteria to penetrate the enamel. Finally, your dentist can catch the decay in the early stages. Early intervention keeps the pain away and avoids more expensive dental repairs down the line.
8. Ask your dentist about sealants.
Molars, in particular, can have deep grooves that are hard to reach and brush well. Your dentist can place sealants on your child’s teeth to give them an extra protective layer against cavities until their enamel fully develop.
9. Help them brush until they can write their own name neatly.
Brushing your teeth takes more coordination than you may realize. You have to hold the brush at the right angle and apply the right amount of pressure. Then you have to move it to all teeth, all sides, and keep going for two minutes! Most kids lack the coordination to do this well by themselves until they are 7-8 years old. A good test is seeing how well your child can control a pencil to write their name neatly.
10. Use Fluoride Wisely
Fluoride strengthens enamel and makes teeth more resistant to decay. Ensure your child’s toothpaste contains fluoride, and discuss fluoride varnish applications with your dentist, especially for young children.
Conclusion
Preventing cavities in children requires a combination of good hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental care. By instilling these habits early, you can help your child enjoy a healthy, cavity-free smile for years to come. Prioritizing oral health today lays the foundation for a lifetime of confidence and well-being.
