Preventing Cavities in Children
What causes cavities?
Cavities are caused by a buildup of plaque on teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that forms when bacteria combine with food, acid and saliva present in the mouth. The plaque sticks to the teeth and wears down the enamel causing cavities.
The main way to prevent cavities is proper oral hygiene.
Proper oral hygiene can start even before the child’s teeth come in. Clean your baby’s gums with a warm washcloth after feeding When your child’s teeth start to come in, use a soft toothbrush to gently clean your child’s teeth. You can use a pea-sized amount of children’s toothpaste.
Proper oral hygiene must be taught to children. Children under 6 years old generally need parents to brush and floss their teeth for them, as proper teeth brushing and flossing are imperative to maintain a child’s oral health.
The best way to teach children proper oral hygiene is to practice proper oral hygiene yourself. Brushing your teeth together is the best way to ensure your child is learning proper oral hygiene techniques. Teaching children the importance of proper oral hygiene at a young age will help them maintain those skills throughout their lifetime.
Regularly scheduled dental exams and cleanings are also an essential part of your child’s oral health care regimen.
It is important to note that children learn by example. Parents set these examples. If the entire family practices good oral hygiene and eats a proper diet, the child will also adhere to that lifestyle. In the case of dental visits. Your child will see that your family takes their oral hygiene seriously and visits to the dentist are part of that. Your child will then see dental visits as commonplace.
There are other ways to help prevent cavities in children.
Eat a proper diet
Limit sugary foods and drinks
Drink more water
Snacks should be healthy such as; apples, celery, cheese etc.
Never put a baby to bed with juice or milk in their bottle, the sugars from these drinks sit on the baby’s gums all night, water is best
Signs your child may have a cavity:
-Discoloration on teeth -may be white spots or dark spots on a tooth -Sensitivity to hot or cold -Sensitivity while brushing -mouth swelling -avoiding eating or drinking -fussiness -lethargy
At Oshawa Centre Dental, we have been providing exceptional dental care to families in the Durham Region for more than 30 years. At Oshawa Centre Dental you can expect a safe, and friendly, non-judgmental atmosphere.
Call us to book your family's dental appointments today!