How To Help Your Child Prevent Cavities

- 10/18/2019

When your child has a cavity and needs dental work it can be stressful for the parent and child. Doing your best to prevent cavities and nurturing a healthy relationship between the child and dentist can go a long way in keeping teeth healthy and cavity free. With these helpful tips and support from your pediatric dentist at Affiliated Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, you can take the hassle out of cavity prevention.

Be Your Children’s Example for Good Oral Health

Until the age of eight to ten, children are not coordinated enough to effectively clean their teeth on their own. A good way to help them learn is by brushing and flossing with them. Assist them with brushing and flossing and then while you brush and floss have them follow your lead. When it comes to brushing, it is recommended twice daily for three to four minutes. To ensure your child is brushing long enough, set a timer or play a couple of songs they can brush to. Exhibiting good oral health care for your children will give them guidance that will follow them throughout life when it comes to taking care of their teeth.

Limit or Avoid Certain Snacks

Sugary and acidic snacks and drinks can damage your child’s enamel and lead to cavities. More than the amount of sugar being consumed, is the frequency. Repeated exposure to sugars and acids prevents saliva, the body’s natural tooth cleaner, from doing its job. Switch out the candy, juice, soda and chips for more tooth healthy options like fruits and vegetables, cheeses and yogurts, and plenty of water to drink. Foods with calcium phosphates and proteins.

Ensure Your Child Gets Enough Fluoride

Fluoride is an essential part of dental health because it not only restores calcium to decaying teeth, but also limits the production of corrosive acid. The most common sources are found in tap water and toothpastes. Too much fluoride, however, can lead to fluorosis, which causes white spots on the teeth. That’s why kids under 2 or 3 shouldn’t use fluoride toothpaste. Always speak to your child’s pediatric dentist or pediatrician before taking extra measures to introduce fluoride to your child.

Schedule Regular Appointments With Your Pediatric Dentist

Preventative pediatric dental visits are your best tool when it comes to the health of your children’s teeth. The dentist will be your biggest ally when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile. Not only can they fix problems before they arise, they can also address any concerns you have regarding your child’s oral health. Maintaining a great relationship between your child and pediatric dentist is a great way to lead them to a lifetime of taking good care of their teeth.

Contact Our Pediatric Dentists at APDO

As parents, we have a responsibility to give our children the tools they need to be successful. Along with the pediatric dentists at Affiliated Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Scottsdale and North Phoenix, Arizona, you can ensure your child’s dental health. Schedule an appointment today to get started on your journey to a lifetime of healthy smiles.