Can You Help Your Kids Prevent Cavities? Part Two

Posted January 19, 2017

No parent wants to see his or her kids struggle with painful dental cavities. Even fewer like the idea of seeing their children require numerous restorative dental treatments, brought on by progressed dental decay. Over time, even minor erosion can advance to the point of painful infections that could require root canal therapy or even extraction. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to help your kids prevent cavities, in the first place. That means spending less time and money on dental care. Perhaps best of all, excellent preventive care means you can spend less time worrying about your kids’ teeth and gums.

Take Them for Routine Preventive Care

Regular dental appointments are among the best ways to prevent cavities, so be sure to take your kids for regular dental checkups and cleanings. After the age of one, every kid should see the dentist at least twice a year.

Keep in mind that adults should visit regularly, too, so make sure you are scheduling your own checkups every six months, to set a good example.

Ask About Fluoride Treatments

In some cases, your children’s dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment or other dental sealant, as well, in order to help protect their teeth from enamel erosion.

Sealants help by making it more difficult for bacteria to stick to the surface of teeth, which can help to limit tartar buildup. So be sure to ask if this is an option that would work well for your kids, and if so how often they are necessary for protecting the teeth.