Easier Ways to Help Your Child Avoid a Cavity

Posted September 3, 2020

The fact that cavities affect a majority of people to some degree can make it seem like cavities are inevitable. The truth, however, is that they’re one of the easiest chronic dental concerns to prevent, though the process of doing so takes a higher level of attention and consistency than children are often able to give it. Because of this, children need a little extra guidance when it comes to preventing cavity development and other oral health concerns. With these few tips, you can make that process a little easier.

When you’re at the bathroom sink

The key to keeping their smiles healthy is for children to learn as early as possible how to properly brush and floss their teeth every day. Most of these lessons should occur at the bathroom sink, as you lead by example in properly caring for your own teeth. The easiest way to teach children the proper techniques for cleaning their teeth is to show them as you explain. Brush your teeth together at the sink, and explain how you move your toothbrush along your teeth to ensure that all of them are cleaned. Encourage your child to ask questions, if they have any, and be patient if it takes them a while to get the hang of it on their own.

When you’re feeding your kid meals and snacks

Cleaning their teeth properly and consistently is at the core of your child’s ability to prevent cavity development. However, the development of cavities involves many more factors than just the plaque that builds up on them each day. The oral bacteria that lead to cavities do more harm when they’re exposed to sugars, carbs, and other nutrients. This means the more often your child eats or drinks sugary substances, the more often bacteria can attack their teeth, and the more likely they are to develop a cavity as a result of it. Between brushing and flossing their teeth each day, you can make it easier for your child to avoid cavities by feeding them healthier, sugar-free foods and beverages.

When you bring your child to the dentist

Even with highly attentive care at home and a healthy meal plan, children can still be susceptible to cavity development if they don’t stick to a routine schedule of preventive visits with the dentist. Good dental hygiene can only do so much against harmful oral bacteria, and your child is bound to miss some spots of plaque once in a while. When these spots calcify (or harden) into tartar, only professional dental cleaning will be able to remove it. It will be easier to keep your child’s smile healthy and avoid the need for more extensive treatment if you emphasize the importance of sticking to a regular schedule of dental checkups and cleanings.

Learn how you can help your child avoid a cavity

Preventing a cavity isn’t complicated, but it takes consistency and, for most children, a little help from their parents. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, TX today at 214-321-4880. We proudly serve patients who live around Casa Linda and all surrounding Dallas communities.