Avoid Cavities This Year with Simple Preventive Care: Part One

Posted February 25, 2016

Want to know how to help your kids avoid cavities this year? If so, your pediatric dentist can help. While most children and adults will experience cavities at one point or another, they are preventable with excellent dental hygiene and regular professional checkups. Of course, smart dietary choices can help reduce the risk of developing cavities, as well. So teaching your kids the value of eating well, and taking great care of their teeth and gums, can go a long way in avoiding cavities!

Combine Hygiene and Checkups to Keep Plaque at Bay

Brushing and flossing go hand in hand, to help prevent plaque from building up on the surface of the teeth, which can lead to the acidic erosion responsible for cavities. Though flossing can seem a bit trickier to master, especially for young children, it is just as essential as brushing for keeping the teeth and gums healthy. So help your kids floss, until they’re agile enough to attempt it themselves. And continue monitoring them during twice daily brushing, until you can trust that they won’t swallow toothpaste in your absence.

Of course, smart parents know that dental checkups aren’t just for treating dental problems. Even seemingly healthy smiles can benefit from regular checkups and cleanings. A checkup gives your dentist an opportunity to remove any plaque that has built up, often before it’s had an opportunity to erode the teeth. During a checkup, the dentist may also recommend a dental sealant, like fluoride, which can help protect teeth from future plaque buildup and subsequently cavities, or the need for dental fillings.