How to Help Your Kids Prevent Cavities

You work hard to keep your children healthy, from packing healthy lunches to making sure they get enough sleep night after night (and bedtime excuse after bedtime excuse).

And like that bedtime routine, getting kids to cooperate with their oral hygiene routine can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. It is normal to worry about whether they are brushing well enough or if that extra sweet treat will lead to problems down the road. We are here to give you some strategies to help them protect their teeth from decay.

What are Cavities?

Cavities are the most common dental issue in children. They occur when bacteria in the mouth break down sugars from food, producing acids that damage the tooth enamel. Over time, this acid wears away the protective outer layer of the tooth, creating a hole or cavity.

Even though your child will eventually lose their baby teeth, it is important to keep them healthy and strong, as they are placeholders for adult teeth.

Preventing the decay that leads to cavities requires diligent brushing along with other oral hygiene techniques, smart dietary choices, and professional dental care. By establishing good habits early, you can protect your child’s oral health for years to come.

Brushing and Flossing

The most effective way to remove plaque and bacteria is through a consistent daily cleaning routine. While this seems simple, many children need consistent guidance to do it effectively.

Children should brush their teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed, and floss once per day. Show your child how to angle the bristles toward the gumline and use gentle, circular motions. Scrubbing too hard can damage gums, so encourage them to be gentle.

Brush Together

Keep in mind that younger children do not have the manual dexterity to brush effectively on their own. Until your child is about seven or eight years old, you should help them brush or supervise closely. Brushing together is a great way to watch their technique while modelling good dental habits.

Set a Timer

Brushing should last for two full minutes. Using a timer or playing a favorite song can help your child know they are brushing long enough. It can also make brushing more fun!

Try Different Floss

Traditional floss works well, but many parents and children find floss picks easier to handle, especially for little hands that are just learning.

Diet and Dental Health

What your child eats has a direct impact on their risk of developing cavities. Bacteria in the mouth thrive on sugar and starch. When these culprits remain on the teeth, the risk of decay increases. Here are some strategies that can help.

• One Dessert Per Day: It is better for your child to eat sugary foods as part of a meal rather than as a standalone snack. Increased saliva production during meals helps wash away food particles and acid. If they are going to have a sweet treat, reserve it for once after dinner.
• Water, Water, Water: Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day, especially after eating. Avoid putting juice and soda, as both are full of sugar. Milk in moderation is okay, but avoid it right before bed, especially after your child has already brushed.
• Make Healthy Options Accessible: Instead of junk food, make healthy options available and easy to reach for. Have bite-sized crunchy veggies (like carrots and celery) or whole fruits (such as strawberries and watermelon) within easy reach. Calcium-rich snacks like cheese and no-added-sugar yogurt are also good options.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a highly effective preventive treatment, particularly for permanent molars. These back teeth have deep grooves and pits on their chewing surfaces where food and bacteria easily get trapped. Even with diligent brushing, bristles often cannot reach into these tiny crevices.

A sealant is a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It acts as a barrier, preventing food and bacteria from settling in the grooves. The application process is quick, painless, and does not require drilling. Sealants can last for several years and reduce the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80%.

Regular Dental Visits

Professional dental care is a major component of cavity prevention. We recommend that children visit the dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning.

During these visits, we remove hardened plaque and tartar that cannot be removed by brushing alone. We also conduct a thorough examination to catch any early signs of decay and give strengthening fluoride treatments.

These appointments also give us the opportunity to demonstrate proper brushing techniques and discuss any concerns you might have about your child’s oral development.

If you have questions about your child’s brushing habits, diet, or if it is time for their next checkup, contact our office to schedule an appointment!