3 Tips to Help Your Child Avoid Cavities

Posted April 19, 2018

Kids can often be more prone to cavity development than adults, but not because the condition targets them more often. On the contrary, successfully preventing cavities requires consistency in your hygiene and dental care routines. Because children are less adept at keeping their mouths constantly clean, they have a higher risk of allowing oral bacteria to infect their teeth. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help your child avoid cavities, and today, we examine three of the most effective things.

Be strict with candy

Some candies directly cause cavities because they have acidic substances that erode healthy tooth enamel. Others contribute to it by feeding sugar to oral bacteria that can convert into similarly erosive acids. In any case, be strict with candy by only allowing your child to have some at certain times, such as after a meal or as a reward for doing chores. The more often children snack on sweets, the more likely they are to overfeed harmful bacteria and develop cavities as a result.

Add a glass of milk to every meal

The enamel that protects your child’s teeth (and your own) is made from highly resilient mineral crystals. To stay strong, enamel needs minerals, and most of them can be found in milk and dairy products. By giving your child a glass of milk with every meal, you can give them the nutrients they need to ensure that their tooth enamel stays strong and resilient against harmful, cavity-causing oral bacteria.

Ask your dentist for help

Besides cleaning away bacteria-rich plaque and tartar, regular checkups and cleanings also give your child’s dentist the opportunity to help further prevent cavities. Treatments like fluoride and dental sealants can boost tooth enamel and shield it from bacteria (respectively), lending your child a professional hand in preventing cavities.

Give Your Child a Better Chance at Preventing Cavities

In addition to a consistently good hygiene routine and sticking to a schedule of checkups and cleanings, these tips can help your child more successfully avoid destructive cavities. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, TX today at 214-321-4880.