Top 5 Tips to Prevent Cavities in Kids

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Some cavities are a given, but luckily, they are mostly preventable with proper habits and dental care. As a parent, it is crucial that you know how to help your child keep their teeth healthy and strong.

At Myrtle Beach practices that focus on pediatric dentistry, prevention and education are the best practices. How can you ensure your child makes it to the tween and teen years with a cavity-free mouth for a lifetime of good oral health?These are our five tips to achieve exactly that:

Develop a Regular Brushing and Flossing Schedule
Perform Daily Oral Hygiene Daily oral hygiene is the first step in maintaining your oral health. Teach your child to brush at least twice each day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. For children under 6 use a pea-sized amount and supervise child’s brushing to minimize swallowing. When two teeth touch, it’s time to start cleaning between the teeth, because that’s where a toothbrush can’t reach.

Cut back on sweet snacks and beverages.
It’s sugar that feeds the bacteria that make cavities. You want to cut down on your child’s consumption of sugary snacks, juice and soda, especially between meals. Promote healthful alternatives such as fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese and water. If your child is going to have sweets, try to serve them with a meal when saliva production is greater and can help neutralize acids.

That means regular dental check-ups should be a high priority.
Regular dental check-up visit is key to your child’s dental health. At these visits, the dentist can keep an eye on tooth growth, catch decay in the early stages, and clean the teeth. The dentist should see most children every six months. For families seeking high quality pediatric dentistry in Myrtle Beach, local practices provide family-friendly, kid-focused environments that help make visits more fun and less anxious.

Consider Dental Sealants
Sealants are a very effective way to prevent decay in the molars of your child! These thin protective coverings are painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where food and bacteria typically become stuck. With the use of sealants, the chances for decay to develop are much less and they provide protection for many years.

Encourage Drinking Tap Water
Fluoride, a mineral that strengthens enamel and helps prevent tooth decay, is commonly found in tap water. Sipping water all day also rinses off food particles and acids that can harm teeth. Encourage drinking water as the primary beverage in your home, and especially at meals and snack times.

Final Thoughts
Stopping cavities is incredibly simple and is based on consistent habits that you can get your child into early on. With smart oral hygiene, good dietary choices, and ongoing professional care, you can safeguard your little one’s smile for the long-haul.

Whether you’re in search of an experienced pediatric dentist in Myrtle Beach area, dentists in your local area are here to assist your family with individualized care, preventive care and friendly environment for children of all ages.