How To Help Children Remain Cavity-Free (5 EASY FACTS)
Dental health begins in childhood. Children will need knowledge of caring for teeth now as a habit to avoid cavities for life. All teeth are subject to plaque, fed by foods like sugary snacks. Creating an acid that breaks down the enamel and allows cavities to form. The plaque can also harden into tartar, making it more difficult to keep teeth clean. So, what guidelines help children remain cavity-free? Read on for the lowdown.
Contents
How Do Cavities Affect Your Child’s Teeth?
How do cavities affect your child’s teeth? According to the American Dental Association, cavities are more common among young children exhibiting:
- Poor oral health
- Poor dietary choices
- Incorrect Brushing techniques
- Lack of flossing
Poor oral health may stem from frequent snacking and a lack of good brushing habits. Children eat more often as they grow. This extra exposure to sugar gives teeth more of the substances that plaque uses to flourish.
They are also just beginning to learn not only how to brush their teeth but how to do these types of routines such as flossing or using mouthwash daily.
Is Tooth Decay the Cause of a Cavity?
You won’t need to scour the internet to know what will happen if a cavity grows. Once the enamel suffers damage by the acid generated by plaque, the tooth continues to decay. This will need more extensive treatment once it is finally seen by a dentist or orthodontist.
Many dentists agree that cavities even in baby teeth need treatment as you would for adult teeth. The decay may also spread into other parts of the mouth. Such as the gums or even down into the adult tooth that is growing beneath.
This can lead to other complications. And pain that may give children a negative experience with dental care.
Help Children Stay Cavity-Free
Oral care habits play a part in letting your child avoid cavities. As a parent, it is up to you to set the routine.
1. Brush with Fluoride Toothpaste
2. Use Floss to Get between Teeth
3. Avoid Sugary Sweets and Drinks
Oral bacteria such as plaque feed on food and sugary sweets. If your child eats a lot of snacks or drinks sodas, they may be prone to more plaque, which in turn may cause cavities that will have to be treated. Avoiding these things combined with daily oral care can help prevent future issues.
4. Check with a Dentist about Using a Fluoride Rinse
Not only can a fluoride rinse provide the element found in healthy teeth but can also further wash out particles of food that brushing and flossing missed. This may also assist in the prevention of cavities between teeth.
FUN FACT:
Rinses for children are not the same as adults and are not designed to kill germs with alcohol like common over-the-counter mouthwashes.
5. Schedule Oral Health Check-Ups
See your dentist twice a year as part of your child’s oral health care routine. Seeing a specialist frequently allows for not only prevention and early intervention of problems but contributes to a positive experience for your child.
EXTRA FACT: X-Rays
Conclusion
Whether you want to get full orthodontic perfection or to address issues, we can advise you. Get in touch with our orthodontic team today to schedule your first appointment with Dr. McDermott.
Talk to us about insurance coverage on treatment and Invisalign cost too.
MCDERMOTT ORTHODONTICS
13046 Falcon Drive
Baxter, MN 56425
Phone: 218-829-1630
What Guidelines Help Children Remain Cavity-Free?
Dr. Michael McDermott earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in both Chemistry and Biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. He followed his undergraduate degrees with a doctorate in dental surgery at the University of Minnesota, where he graduated with highest distinction.
Dr. Mike then furthered his dental education by earning a masters and certificate in Orthodontics at the University of St. Louis in Missouri.
