Many children do not understand the importance of good oral hygiene, so they may suffer more cavities than adults. As a parent, it is very important to instill good oral hygiene habits in your child and do whatever it takes to help him prevent cavities. The fewer cavities your child has, the less time he will have to spend in the dentist's chair. Here are six great tips for helping your child avoid cavities.
Make Brushing Fun
Brushing is seen as a chore for a lot of children, so you should try to make it fun for your little one. For example, you can have him hum a popular children's song while he brushes his teeth. Humming a song is fun and will make the time go by a lot faster. Another way you can make brushing more fun is to buy your child a flavored toothpaste. Instead of the standard mint flavor, get your little one a bubblegum or strawberry flavored toothpaste. If you make the effort to make brushing more fun, your child will be more excited to do it every day.
Consider Dental Sealants
If your child seems to be very susceptible to cavities, you should consider dental sealants. These sealants will go over your child's teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay. Your child's dentist can apply these dental sealants in minutes and there is no discomfort involved. According to a study conducted by the Dental Data and Analysis Center, children who had dental sealants were 78 percent less likely to deal with cavities.
Make Sure Your Child Gets Enough Fluoride
Fluoride is very important for strong and healthy teeth. If your child does not get enough fluoride, he will be more susceptible to cavities. Most cities have fluoridated water, so make sure your child drinks several glasses of tap water every day; bottled water normally does not contain enough fluoride. You should also buy your child toothpaste and mouthwash that contains adequate amounts of fluoride.
Encourage Your Child to Eat Tooth-Friendly Foods
Another great way you can help your child avoid cavities is to encourage him to eat tooth-friendly foods. For example, crunchy foods, such as carrots, celery and apples, are abrasive and can scrub food and plaque off teeth. Cheese is also great for teeth because it helps strengthen the enamel. If your child eats these foods on a regular basis, he should have fewer cavities.
Do not Forget About Dental Cleanings
If you want your child to have healthy teeth and avoid cavities, you should remember to take him to the dentist every six months for a cleaning. During a professional cleaning, a dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your child's teeth and remove hardened plaque from the surfaces. A dental cleaning normally takes less than an hour to complete and will keep your little one's pearly whites in good shape.
Tell Your Child to Drink Water After Eating Sugary Foods
Sugary foods, such as candy and donuts, are not good for teeth and can eventually lead to decay. However, your child might not always be able to resist a chocolate bar or gummy bears. Encourage your child to rinse his mouth out with water after he eats something sugary. Water will rinse away bacteria from the surface of his teeth, making him a lot less susceptible to cavities.
Helping your child avoid cavities does not have to be difficult. If you follow these helpful tips, your child will be less likely to deal with tooth decay in the future. Your child might not appreciate it now, but he will thank you later for helping him avoid painful cavities. For more information, contact a local pediatric dentist.