Keep Your Kids Smiling: Cavity Prevention for Children
We all hate seeing our kids in pain, and if you’ve ever had a toothache, you know just how painful they can be. The main cause of toothaches in kids is cavities, also known as tooth decay. Cavity prevention for children is an important part of their overall wellness, as well, because bad bacteria in the mouth can negatively affect overall health.
At Erik Swanson, DMD, located in Visalia CA, we will help you help your children maintain good oral hygiene, both now and in the future. Here are some great tips for helping your little ones avoid cavities.
Cavity Prevention in Infants and Toddlers
Even before teeth are visible, it is important to practice good oral hygiene with babies. Baby teeth begin to develop in the second trimester, and at birth your baby has 20 unerupted primary teeth hiding below the gums. For cavity prevention in children, The American Dental Association recommends that a child visit the dentist when the first tooth appears or before his or her first birthday.
Tips for Taking Care of Baby Teeth
- Until a tooth erupts, wipe your baby’s gums with a damp washcloth after a feeding to remove harmful bacteria, sugars, and starches. This also helps deter thrush, a yeast infection of the mouth.
- Once your baby’s teeth erupt, brush them with an infant toothbrush and floss between them.
- Use a tiny bit of non-fluoridated toothpaste that is ADA approved so that your child’s permanent (adult) teeth don’t develop fluorosis, white horizontal lines that cannot be whitened.
- Use the rule “water only” when putting a baby to bed with a bottle. Fruit juices and milk can cause baby bottle tooth decay, a painful condition.
- Limit sugars and starches in both foods and beverages. These cause cavities!
The ADA recommends using a portion of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice between the time the first tooth appears and the age of 3. After 3 years old, children can use an amount the size of a pea. Children under 3 years old should only use non-fluoridated toothpaste. At this age, children can learn to spit out toothpaste and rinse their mouths after brushing and flossing.
Cavity Prevention in Kids
Cavity prevention for kids starts with education. Teaching your children the causes of tooth decay and starting an oral hygiene routine early in life will help them learn the importance of taking good care of their teeth.
Supervise your children while they brush and floss, and take over or finish up if necessary. This will ensure that they practice effective brushing techniques and don’t swallow toothpaste. The ADA recommends following the 2 by 2 rule, which means brush twice a day for two minutes at each session.
Children should attend a checkup and cleaning twice a year, just like parents should. Making dental visits fun and non-intimidating is as much the dentist’s job as the parents’. Talk to your children about the dentist before, during, and after their visit. Listen to their concerns or excitement, and use simple, non-threatening language to educate and build confidence.
Causes of Cavities in Children
- Lack of a daily oral care routine
- Improper brushing and flossing techniques
- High amounts of sugar or starch in their diet
- Thinned enamel from teeth grinding
- Not enough water in their diet
- Not enough fluoride
- Genetic predisposition
Oral Hygiene Tips for Kids and Parents
- Brush twice and floss once a day
- Use toothpaste that contains fluoride
- Attend dental checkups and cleanings twice a year
- At the dentist’s office, ask about fluoride treatments and dental sealants for your children
- Limit sugary foods and drinks
- Drink plenty of water
Schedule an Appointment
Routine checkups are the best way to stay on top of your children’s oral health.Dr. Erik Swanson invites you to visit our dental office, located in Visalia, CA, for all of your family’s oral healthcare needs, including cavity prevention for children. Schedule an appointment online or call us at (559) 732-4543. We are dedicated to providing your kids with friendly, fun, and professional care.