Did you know that around 514 million children from different parts of the globe suffer from tooth decay?
This goes to show that your little one’s baby teeth need caring just as much as your adult teeth. Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is not only painful, but it can also lead to more serious health issues in the long term. These include tooth abscess, tooth loss, difficulty chewing, development of pus near the infected tooth, and an increased risk of chipping a tooth.
Due to these adverse consequences, tooth decay in kids should always be taken seriously. And paying attention to how you care for your child’s teeth now will help with preventing tooth decay later in life. Keep reading for our top tips on caring for your child’s teeth.
1. Establish a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
Establishing a good oral hygiene routine for your kids is key to helping prevent tooth decay. Start their hygiene habits from infancy with the use of a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe away any build-up on the teeth.
Then gradually help them get used to brushing daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush (once at night and in the morning). You should teach your child to brush gently in circles on all surfaces of the teeth and along the gum line for at least two minutes. Make sure they brush their teeth twice a day for approximately two minutes. Doing so can help eliminate plaque and bacteria and improve gum health.
It is also important to introduce flossing regularly to your child’s routine once they have developed the motor skills to do so. Aside from flossing, teach your kid to rinse with mouthwash to avoid plaque buildup. This is especially helpful if your little one is much older already. Lastly, don’t forget to teach them to brush their tongue to eliminate any bacteria that lingers inside the mouth.
2. Reduce the Amount of Sugary Foods in Their Diet
Eating too many sugary snacks and drinks can make the teeth more vulnerable to decay, cavities, and other oral health problems. For instance, too much sugary and starchy foods may cause ‘sugar bugs.’ These bacteria can cause plaque, and when it’s not removed, they can result in tartar which damages teeth.
Because of this, You should start monitoring the amount of sugar your children consume regularly. Read nutrition labels and limit their intake of certain unhealthy snacks.
Provide healthy snacks and drinks low in sugar. This includes fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and whole-grain crackers. Make items high in sugar, such as cookies, candy, and soda, a thing of the past.
There are companies that offer nutrient-dense foods which are better for their health. For example, the products from Serenity Kids or similar providers contain healthy proteins, veggies, nuts, and seeds, which are alternatives to sugar and starchy foods. If you’re looking for more information, you can also check out their website to learn how to prevent sugar bugs on your kid’s teeth.
Lastly, You should also carry a water bottle at all times. It is the best alternative to sugary drinks.
3. Schedule Regular Check-Ups
During these visits, the dentist needs to evaluate the health of a child’s teeth and provide dental cleaning. Regular check-ups should also include discussions about proper oral health habits for kids and tips on teeth care.
You need to schedule regular check-ups for children with a pediatric dentist for kids as it helps maintain their proper oral health.
However, if you haven’t found a dentist, find someone you can trust. Read some client reviews to check their experience and reputation. If you have extra time, visit their dental clinic and see if they have the tools and equipment to offer quality dental services. Consider all these things to ensure you hire the right dentist for your kids.
4. Serve Regular Fluoride Treatments
You can use fluoride to promote healthy teeth in children and protect their teeth from decay. And you can find it in professional dental treatments, in water supplies, and even in toothpaste.
Fluoride treatments also help to strengthen teeth and promote remineralization of teeth. It also protects against acid and plaque build-up.
Fluoride treatments help reduce the risk of cavities, strengthen the tooth enamel, and reverse the early stages of tooth decay. It will keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong.
Keep You Child Healthy by Preventing Tooth Decay
You can help in preventing tooth decay in kids in a variety of ways. This includes proper oral hygiene, avoiding sugary snacks, regular dental visits, and using fluoride treatments.
By making oral health habits out of these easy tips, you can ensure that your kids have healthy, cavity-free smiles. Call your dentist today to book a check-up and get started on healthier habits!
If you enjoyed this article and found it helpful, check out our other posts for more tips and advice.