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5 tips to prevent cavities in children

Dental cavity is a result of tooth decay. Cavity is the most common childhood disease.. Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is because of a missing tooth or a decayed tooth of a child under the age of 6. As a parent, it is essential that you understand the importance of dental care for your children, so that you can help prevent cavities and other problems resulting from it. Let’s have a look at some of the tips that will guide you to prevent cavities in children.

1.Help them Maintain a Healthy Diet

Keep a check on what and when your child is eating. Make sure your child eats sugary foods like candies, confectioneries, and cookies, only occasionally. Foods such as chips, candy or cookies should be avoided as they stuck in grooves and pits of your teeth for long periods. Cold drinks should be avoided because it helps the bacteria in your child’s mouth to create acids that can destroy their tooth enamel. Help develop healthy eating habits and make them delicious dishes with nutritious ingredients like green veggies, fruits, nuts, and dairy products like cheese.

2. Make them Brush with Fluoride Toothpaste

Make sure that your child brushes their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. A dentist can suggest you how much fluoride toothpaste to put on your child’s toothbrush so that your child gets the cavity-fighting benefits without suffering from “Fluorosis”; a result of use of excessive fluoride.

3. Make them Floss Regularly

Make sure your child flosses regularly, at least once a day. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles stuck up between the teeth. It helps reach and clean areas, where a toothbrush cannot reach.

4. Use Dental Sealants

A dental sealant is a plastic resin that is applied to the chewing surfaces of molars. Dental sealants make the tooth surface smoother and less likely to harbor plaque. The plastic resin protects the chewing surfaces of teeth from decay. Consult your dentist about installing dental sealants in your child’s molars once they come out.

5. Regular Dental Checkups

Regular dental checkups for your child are essential to examine if there is any sign of cavity or tooth decay. During the regular dental checkups, a dentist can teach your child how to clean their teeth properly. A dentist can also apply protective or regenerative agents like fluoride enriched gel or varnish if they find that your child has cavities.

If left untreated, dental cavities can be very painful for your child. Taking appropriate care of your child’s dental health, make them eat a healthy diet, and take them for regular dental checkups to prevent dental cavities. Visit us at Downtown Dental if you want to know more about how you can prevent dental cavities in your child.