Tooth cavities are a common ailment in childhood. And it’s also one of the most preventative health problems children face. Tooth cavities can be prevented and decay reversed with proper oral healthcare. Even if children naturally lose their baby teeth, avoiding the development of cavities is important. Bad oral hygiene in general could lead to more severe health problems such as gum disease, which may compromise on a child’s overall health. Here are several tips for parents and adult caretakers to help prevent tooth decay and cavities in children:
Buy Fluoride Toothpaste for Children
Fluoride is a mineral that teeth use to repair existing damage caused by decay. Fluoride is known to strengthen teeth and minimize the risk of tooth decay. Therefore, dentists highly recommend that children and even adults brush their teeth using fluoride toothpaste. It can help with the mineral loss that occurs when a tooth decays. Fluoride toothpaste plays an important role in reversing decay.
Take the Child for Dental Examinations
Kids should go to the dentist several times a year, even if there are no immediate dental health concerns. A good dentist can diagnose tooth decay in advance and prescribe treatment. Most children hate to see the dentist. If this is the case with yours, find a local Mesa dentist that offers a kid-friendly, warm and welcoming atmosphere for patients.
Prevent Children from Eating Sugary or Starchy Foods Frequently
The mouth has a natural process where saliva fights against cavity-causing acids produced by bacteria that naturally reside in the oral cavity. However, when children frequently eat sugary or starchy foods (which instantly break down into simple sugars when consumed), the bacteria produce more acid that saliva cannot immediately neutralize. This increases the risk for severe cavities. Therefore, it’s wise to limit the amount of sweets children eat. If they do eat something sweet, instruct children to brush teeth afterward or rinse their mouths with water. Generally speaking, it’s recommended to avoid eating sugary foods frequently, considering the health consequences.
Prevent Snacking After Nighttime Brushing
When your child brushes his teeth in the evening for the second time in the day, don’t let him eat anything before bed. Cavities form during sleep because saliva production naturally decreases when we slumber. So, when a kid snacks before going to bed, the bacteria in the mouth will attach on to the food residue. Without enough saliva, the erosion of enamel cannot be neutralized. Therefore, kids should refrain from eating after brushing their teeth before going to bed.
Promote Snacking on Saliva Producing Foods
Some foods are known to cause the mouth to produce more saliva. Allow children to snack on these foods, which include apples, carrots, celery sticks and almonds. Such snacks will trigger saliva production that aid in teeth repairing against existing decay.
Finally, teach your child how to brush his teeth properly. Learning good oral hygiene habits while still young is important to maintaining good oral health in adults as well. If your child knows how to properly take care of his or her baby teeth, then they will take care of their permanent adult teeth as well.
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