Most parents know that they need to protect their children against cavities. However, figuring out the “how” isn’t always easy.
ToothTown of Greeley has compiled five useful tips you can implement to keep cavities at bay. While “children” and “cavities” are often mentioned in the same sentences, this doesn’t have to be the case for your family.
Brushing and flossing are both excellent ways of preventing the accumulation of bacteria and cavity-causing plaque and tartar. It’s recommended that you start brushing your child’s teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and child-friendly toothpaste as soon as their first teeth erupt. If your child has two adjacent teeth that are touching, it’s time to break out the dental floss.
Remember, babies, too, need to get their toothless gums cleaned. Use a damp, clean washcloth to clean your baby’s gums twice per day to clear away harmful oral bacteria.
Brushing and flossing should be supplemented with professional dental exams and cleanings. We encourage parents to book twice-yearly exams and cleanings for their children so that we can keep a close eye on the child’s oral health. Remember, while brushing and flossing are essential dental hygiene practices, it’s often easy to miss some spots. During dental exams and cleanings, our pediatric dentists take care of these spots and provide timely intervention for any active cavities.
Fluoride is an important, naturally-occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, thus preventing cavities. Your child needs regular fluoride treatments to ensure their teeth remain strong, healthy, and cavity-free. Fluoride treatments are safe, painless, and highly recommended for cavity-prone patients.
Tooth decay often develops in the back teeth or molars as these teeth have deep grooves or fissures that trap bacteria and food debris. These grooves are conducive to harmful bacterial activity, which results in erosion of tooth enamel. Sealants are thin plastic or resin coatings applied to the back teeth as a protective barrier against harmful bacteria, enamel-eroding acids, and plaque.
Dental Sealants provide protection for many years and are often recommended for children between ages 6 to 14.
The foods and snacks that your child indulges in have a direct impact on oral health. As a parent, it would be best to choose foods and snacks that are healthy and low in processed sugars. Please remind your child to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water every day, which helps with their oral health.
If you follow these five tips diligently, your child has a very high likelihood of enjoying a cavity-free childhood, and isn’t that what we all want for our kids?
Contact ToothTown of Greeley today to learn more about pediatric dental care and enjoy our personalized services.
Our pediatric dentistry office in Greeley, CO proudly serves the infants, kids, and teens from our community and nearby areas
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