Ways To Prevent Tooth Decay In Children
According to the CDC, cavities and tooth decay is one of the leading chronic diseases affecting today’s youth. With February being Children’s Dental Health Month, a time dedicated to promoting the importance of good oral health, we wanted to share some ways that you can help prevent your child or young loved one from developing tooth decay:
Start an Oral Hygiene Routine Early
Children do well with a schedule and when given guidance as to what is expected of them. From a very young age, it is important to model the proper way to care for your teeth. Show your child or young loved one the proper way to brush their teeth and how to use dental floss. We can also help demonstrate this during your next appointment. A small timer may also be helpful to demonstrate the appropriate time needed to clean your teeth.
Limit Problem Foods
Children are drawn like a moth to a flame to many foods and beverages that are not optimal when looking to prevent cavities. Unfortunately, favorites such as fruit juice and fruit snacks are full of sugar. Vitamin gummies are also a bad idea, as the sticky substance can cling to the teeth and lead to the erosion of the tooth enamel, the outer covering of the teeth. It is best to limit foods with a high sugar content and that can easily stick to teeth. Be sure to increase water consumption and recommend foods such as fruits and vegetables as a healthy snack alternative.
Take Preventative Measures
We recommend that children visit our office for a routine examination and cleaning every six months. During this time we clean the teeth and inspect for any problem areas that need to be treated. We may recommend fluoride treatments and sealants as additional ways to help prevent decay from developing.
If you are located in the Canandaigua, NY area and suspect your child or young loved one may be experiencing tooth decay or it has been longer than six months since their last visit, be sure to contact our office to schedule an appointment. We want to help keep your family smiling and tooth decay free!
