6 Ways To Prevent Cavities in Children

April 23, 2022

How exciting! Your little bundle of joy now has a mouth full of beautiful teeth. Let’s explore how to keep them as beautiful as the day they first came in, making both you and your child smile!

1. Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears.

Good oral hygiene is a habit that leads to healthy teeth and gums. Start with a washcloth or teething toothbrush for infants. Do not use fluoride toothpaste, opting for fluoride-free versions made especially for young children.

2. First dental visit is recommended as soon as the first tooth is fully exposed.

Finding a great pediatric dentist early is key in helping your child have a positive experience with dentistry and assures your child’s best possible oral health. Here at Dental Arts Rego Park, our pediatric dentists have an additional 2-3 years of additional training to become licensed in pedodontics. You can rest easy knowing your child’s dental needs are in the hands of the equivalent of a pediatrician. You would not take your child to an adult MD; why take them to an adult dentist?

3. Limit sweets and starchy foods.

Foods high in sugar or starch increase the presence of acid-eroding plaque in the mouth, and this is how a cavity begins. Foods high in starch include those cute little goldfish! Have your child brush after eating them if possible; if not, at least have them drink plenty of water to help flush the little fishies on their way.

4. Increase crisp foods high in water content.

Apples have been called nature’s toothbrush with good reason. This water-dense fruit helps to increase saliva and inhibits bacteria from sticking to teeth. There are a variety of water-dense fruits and vegetables; offer them frequently as an alternative to starchy or sweet foods.

5. Drink plenty of water every day.

Proper hydration is critical to overall good health; the same holds true for your dental health. Drink water throughout the day to aid in flushing bacteria out of the mouth while helping to reduce the amount of acid buildup on teeth. It’s a win-win!

6. Ask your pediatric dentist about sealants.

Our pediatric dentist can assess your child’s needs to see if they may benefit from dental sealants. Properly applied, sealants can provide years of added protection from cavities by sealing cracks and spaces between teeth where bacteria can quickly build up. Cavity prevention is worth a pound of cure. Call Dental Arts Rego Park today to schedule an appointment for a lifetime of healthy smiles.