The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry always reminds parents about the importance of preventing tooth decay. Studies show that dental health affects your general health. Preventing any level of infection or damage in your child’s mouth can give your child a good start in life. Applying the strategies for effective tooth decay prevention at an early age can prevent serious dental issues later in life. Here are the details.
Floss Once a Day
This is an important strategy for removing bacteria and food particles between the narrow spaces of teeth. Your toothbrush cannot reach these areas, but dental floss can. Flossing in front of your child can show the proper techniques. If your child cannot floss yet, you can floss your child’s teeth. Your dentist will show you the proper way of doing so.
Bring Your Child in for Fillings Right Away
Regular visits to the dentist will result in immediate dental fillings. Once the dentist spots signs of decay, these areas will receive fillings during that visit. The treatment will prevent your child’s teeth from having more damage. It can even prevent infections or tooth loss. Your dentist will use fillings to repair eroded, broken, or decayed teeth.
Brush Two Times Each Day
You should teach your child to brush at least two times a day. Each brushing must last for two minutes. Using fluoride toothpaste can strengthen and protect your child’s teeth. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can rinse away leftover food particles and bacteria. It can also leave a layer of protection from oral infections while freshening your child’s breath.
Give Sugar-free Gum
Kids love to snack. They also get bored quickly. You can give your child sugar-free gum at the right age. This can satisfy the need to chew and prevent cavities at the same time. Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production. The saliva washes away excess food particles and bacteria.
Keep Regular Dental Appointments
Bringing your child to the dentist every six months can help catch any dental problem, especially the onset of tooth decay. The dentist can treat or reverse the early signs of tooth decay before they worsen. Your child can experience preventive dentistry, which can save you money and time as your child grows. Preventing dental decay can spare your child from pain and discomfort. Your dentist can also maintain the good appearance of your child’s teeth.
Increase Water Intake
Studies reveal that you must drink water based on your weight and gender. Drinking water allows your body to run like a well-oiled machine. It can also help keep your mouth healthy and clean. Water can wash away leftover food particles. It is sugarless, so it does not cause decay. Teaching your child to drink more water than sweet drinks can help prevent cavities. It can also ensure good general health.
Get Fluoride Treatments and Dental Sealants
Fluoride treatments often come after a thorough dental cleaning. The dentist will leave a layer of fluoride that strengthens the enamel and protects the tooth against bacterial acids. Dental sealants protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The dentist will apply a transparent liquid that hardens once it touches saliva. The sealants will prevent food and bacteria from settling into the grooves and crevices of these back teeth.
The mentioned strategies can help children achieve good dental health even before their permanent teeth erupt. At Boss Dental Care, we provide all of our patients with the highest level of dental care. Feel free to visit our clinic in Corpus Christi, Texas, for a one-on-one consultation. Please call 361-992-7551 or 361-245-5400 to set an appointment or ask about our cavity prevention packages.