Did you know that cavities are the most common chronic childhood illness? In fact, a recent study by the Catalyst Institute found that more than 1-in-4 kindergarteners in Massachusetts have experienced some level of tooth decay. Thankfully, there are plenty of simple but highly effective ways you can keep your little one’s precious smile healthy and strong! Here are nine of the easiest ways to prevent cavities in kids.
1.) Regular Brushing
Good old brushing every morning and evening is one of the most effective ways to keep tooth decay at bay. Make sure your child is brushing for two minutes twice a day to keep their pearly whites clean.
2.) Daily Flossing
Tooth decay between the teeth can be easy to miss and difficult to treat. Flossing every is the only way to clean out cavity-causing plaque from between the teeth.
3.) Use Mouthwash
If your child is six years old or older, they can begin to rinse with mouthwash regularly. Mouthwash can clean out all the little nooks and crannies in your little one’s smile while strengthening their teeth with fluoride.
4.) Check Their Toothpaste
Your child’s toothpaste needs to contain fluoride to be effective. The ADA recommends using a smear of fluoridated toothpaste the size of a grain of rice for children younger than three, and a blob the size of a pea after the age of three.
5.) Watch Out for Juice
Some juices have just as much sugar in them as soda! The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that children between one and six should have no more than six ounces a day, and children older than seven should have no more than 12 ounces a day.
6.) Drink Tap Water
Most tap water is fluoridated, and over 80 years of study have proven it to be safe, healthy, and very effective at preventing cavities. The level of fluoride is closely monitored to ensure that it’s a safe amount for children and adults alike.
7.) Minimize Frequent Snacking
When it comes to preventing cavities, how often your child snacks is just as important as what your child snacks on. Frequent snacking provides constant fuel for bacteria in the mouth and encourages plaque buildup. Try to limit eating to mealtimes to lower their risk of tooth decay.
8.) Limit Sugars and Carbohydrates
It’s common knowledge that too many sugary snacks lead to cavities. However, crackers, bread, and other snacks filled with carbohydrates are just as bad! Make sure to watch out for both to protect your child from cavities.
9.) Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
Your child should be getting a dental checkup every six months so their dentist can spot and stop cavities (and other oral health issues) as early as possible. Plus, your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment or dental sealant, which can dramatically lower your child’s risk of cavities!
About the Practice
At Simply Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry of Randolph, we go above and beyond to make sure your little one’s smile is off to the best start. We offer a variety of specialized services to help prevent cavities in kids, as well as comfortable, tooth-colored fillings. Plus, with a kid-friendly office and a caring and gentle dental team, we strive to make each appointment as pleasant as possible. To learn more about preventing cavities, we can be contacted online or at (781) 767-7200.