Cavities | Best ways to protect against tooth decay in children
Cavities in children are preventable with proper dental care. But with so much advice online, we thought it be easier to narrow down the most effective dental care strategies. They’re simple. No note taking required but share them with a friend! Together, we can help every child protect their teeth and develop awesome dental care habits.
Prepare healthy meals.
Eating a well balanced diet is great for your child’s overall health, including their teeth! Avoid sugar and starchy foods. They create plaque and erode teeth. Instead, add sweet fruits and crunchy veggies to their meals. And, of course, candy should be off the menu-especially caramel, honey, and taffy. Why? Well, these can get stuck in your child’s teeth which leaves them more susceptible to cavities.
Keep them hydrated.
Choose water over sugary juices and soda. But don’t stop there. Fruits and veggies like watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, and lettuce are known for their high-water content. So, if your child is a little finicky about water, encourage them to eat fruits and veggies that have the most H2O.
Teach proper dental cleaning habits.
Children up to age 8 should be assisted with their dental cleaning. They tend to not have the correct coordination to brush effectively. Also, your company helps them feel supported to do a great job. Make it fun! There are a lot of toothbrushes and toothpastes made for your child’s age. These age appropriate dental accessories are appealing to them and makes dental care a fun activity. Sneaky but effective.
Avoid oral bacteria.
We teach our children to share and be polite. But food and drink sharing should not be treated the same. Advise your child that directly sharing food and drinks spreads oral bacteria which causes cavities. Instead, offer to share food that has not been bitten yet and drinks that have not been drunk from. Have a sugar-free cookie to share? Break it and offer the part that hasn’t been bitten yet. Got milk? Pour some in a separate cup before drinking from it and toast to a healthier smile.
Ask your dentist.
Quincy High Care Dentistry in Quincy MA has a fantastic pediatric dentistry. We’ll guide you with the best dental care practices for your child. Also, we can offer dental sealants and fluoride to help prevent tooth decay.
Contact our dental office in Quincy MA today! Start with a pediatric dental exam and learn how to improve your child’s teeth and gums. Call Dr. Shaban at (617) 405-4524 or book an appointment online.