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.

 

cavity-free

 

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.

Once a cavity has formed, it continues to grow. It can even become damaged enough to need a filling or even extraction. Pulling baby teeth should be a last resort as they help form the spaces for adult teeth to take.
 
If you remove a tooth due to an extensive cavity, other teeth might overcrowd the space. And need correction in the future.
 
An orthodontist may best know if the loss of a baby tooth would have a future impact on your child’s dental needs. As well as help you to care for any existing cavities.
 
This expertise may help you decide on the best course of action. And any issues your child may have with their teeth, gums, or general oral health.

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

A regular brush routine is what sweeps those bacteria from the teeth. Preventing conditions such as gum disease, gingivitis, and cavities. It removes the sugar from food. Food particles that continue to break down in the mouth, and the acid created by plaque bacteria. It can prevent the build-up of tartar and gum disease as well.
Show your child how to sweep the brush up and down, back and forth. And even on the inside of the teeth as they may not even realize how much surface area their teeth have. Brushing after breakfast and before bed are generally good times. Since children can clear food from the teeth and discourage bacterial growth.

2. Use Floss to Get between Teeth

Food becomes caught between teeth and can cause a build-up of plaque if it is not removed.. Cavities between teeth may need the removal of more of the tooth to repair. And may even be more likely to be susceptible to further cavities. Especially around the edges of the fillings.
FUN FACT:
You will have to floss for your child in the beginning. Until they are better able to control either the string floss or flosser.

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

Having X-rays taken of your child’s teeth will reveal invisible cavities. This will allow for early treatment. Visiting the dentist can inform you of all available options for the care of your child’s teeth.
Taking charge of your child’s oral health while they are young will help. And foster a positive relationship with their oral healthcare provider.

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.

 

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MCDERMOTT ORTHODONTICS
13046 Falcon Drive
Baxter, MN 56425
Phone: 218-829-1630

What Guidelines Help Children Remain Cavity-Free?