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All parents want to make sure their child is happy and healthy for the rest of their life. Regarding their dental health specifically, that often means taking the right steps to form good habits that will help the child’s teeth grow strong and free from pesky issues.
Issues such as cavities.
Cavities are caused by tooth decay, which usually happens when unwanted bacteria start eating away at the tooth. If left untreated, a dental cavity can even lead to tooth loss.
Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent cavities in children. Here are the top 5 tips from Timber Kids Dentistry:
Start a Dental Hygiene Routine Early
Pediatric dentists recommend beginning a dental hygiene routine for kids even before the baby teeth start growing, by cleaning the gum areas properly. One of the best ways to minimize the risk of cavities for both adults and children is diligent at-home care, with brushing the teeth at least 2 times a day and flossing daily.
Change Their Diet
Children love sweets, but unfortunately, cavities are just another potential consequence of eating too many of them.
Try to limit the number of sweets the child eats every day, and avoid sticky ones like caramel which can hold on to the enamel longer. We're not arguing to completely cut out sweets from the child’s diet, but you do need to be mindful that too many sweets can hurt their teeth.
Take Them to the Dentist for Professional Cleaning
Dental cleanings are one of the many preventive care methods to allow parents to stay on top of their child's dental health. The pediatric dentist can thoroughly clean the child’s mouth and remove cavity-causing bacteria from places not even floss or toothbrushes and reach!
During the cleaning, the dentist can also inspect the child’s mouth and spot any issues before they start making problems for your child.
Help Them Stay Hydrated
Water can help wash away a lot of unwanted bacteria from your child’s mouth. Encourage the child to drink a glass after every meal, or swish a bit of water and spit it out to cleanse the mouth.
Ask the Dentist About Sealants
If your child is cavity-prone, dental sealants can protect their teeth long-term. With the right care, dental sealants can protect the child’s teeth from bacteria for as long as 10 years. The procedure is also simple and doesn’t put your child in any discomfort. The dentist will take a soft resin material and apply it over the natural teeth, then harden it with a special light.
Looking for an Ashland Pediatric Dentist?
Timber Kids Dentistry is happy to help all children in the Ashland area get the dental services they need for a picture-perfect smile, so book their visit today!