After all, Children often have a strong sugar craving and may not fully understand the significance of oral hygiene. As a result, it’s not always easy to encourage your kids to follow a strict brushing routine. Thankfully, there are steps that any parent may take to promote healthy teeth and make brushing enjoyable.
So, what are the best methods to avoid cavities in children?
Read on to find out the answer to this question.
Start at-home oral care early.
Dental hygiene should start as soon as the first tooth appears. After feedings, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, damp towel. As teeth blow up, switch to a smaller toothbrush for children to help them become used to the habit.
Make brushing your teeth a fun activity.
Make cleaning your teeth a fun activity instead of stressful work. Choose a toothbrush featuring their favorite characters, play their favorite music during brushing, or use a timer to make it fun.
Did you know?
Some toothbrushes even feature timed music to instruct children on the duration of their toothbrushing routine.
Hence, it creates a favorable connotation that will promote regularity.
Limit sugary treats
Tooth decay is always caused by consuming sugar regularly. Promote a diet low in sugary snacks and drinks and a balanced diet. When desserts are served, provide them sparingly and choose healthier options.
Moreover, Check the labels on your juice. Particularly if it’s not made entirely of juice, juice can be a hidden source of sugar. For children aged 7 to 18, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests no more than 8 ounces of juice per day.
So, try to provide whole fruit if you can, as this has additional advantages like fiber, as opposed to juice.
Encourage Water Consumption
4-13 age Children should consume 6-8 glasses of water daily to prevent cavities and maintain good oral health. It helps wash away harmful bacteria from teeth, gums, and tongue and prevents acid buildup on teeth. It also prevents cavities between brushings. This simple yet effective method is good for overall health.
Prevent Cavities
Consult your dentist about dental sealants and fluoride applications to protect your child’s teeth. Sealants prevent food from sticking in chewing surfaces’ grooves, while topical fluoride strengthens enamel against decay.
Moreover, Untreated cavities can cause pulp and pus which leads to children’s root canal treatment.
Make a Dental Appointment
Approximately one year before their first birthday, and then regularly after that, your child should visit the dentist. Creating a dental home is essential. Your general dentist can teach you how to prevent dental disease,
check for cavities in the primary teeth, and suggest treatments like crowns for restoring teeth.
Keep Calm
Do not share your anxiety with your child if you are nervous about seeing a dentist. This is important for maintaining emotional health. Encourage your child to discuss any worries about going to the dentist, but don’t instil any new concerns.
As a general guideline, it is best to avoid using terms like “hurt” or “pain” because there’s a chance the person may not have considered them.