Aren’t cavities normal?

It’s a common misconception that cavities are just a normal part of childhood and that if they have a cavity on a baby tooth, it’s not a big deal. Though most children end up with at least one cavity before they reach adulthood, it doesn’t mean that these cavities don’t affect them.

Cavities are formed by bacteria that eats away at the enamel (the hard shell) of a tooth. Once it gets past that, it will severely damage the tooth, spread to the root, and even affect neighboring teeth, or the jaw. If your child shows signs of having a cavity, it’s important to give Pediatric Dental Specialists a call as soon as you can to limit the damage.

Baby teeth are more than just placeholders for future adult teeth. They help the jaw form properly, assist your child with their speech, and even help them eat. Having cavities in these precious little teeth can hinder all of these functions. Thankfully, good habits can help keep their teeth healthy!

Brush twice a day.

The first step to preventing cavities is to ensure your little one’s teeth are brushed twice a day. The general rule is to brush for two minutes each time. This both gives the toothpaste enough time to do its job and ensures that every tooth gets the attention it deserves.

For little kids, it’s recommended that you brush their teeth for them until six years of age. Before that, you can’t be certain they are getting each tooth, and those missed teeth increase their risk of forming cavities.

If you have problems remembering to add it into your routine, create a sticker chart. Trust us, those kids won’t forget that they get to add a sticker to the chart every time they brush their teeth.

Floss daily.

Flossing is frequently forgotten, but it’s an important part of preventing cavities in both adults and children. It’s suggested to floss once a day to get rid of any of the bacteria hiding between the teeth. You can begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have two teeth next to each other. Remember, the goal is to teach them that flossing is completely normal! The sooner you start, the faster it will become part of their lifelong routine.

If your child has no interest in flossing, have them “help” you when you brush yours. More than likely, they will eventually want to try it out. Don’t be afraid to get the disposable floss picks to make it more fun. They even make them in fun colors!

Limit sugary foods and drinks.

As sweet as candy may be, it’s filled with sugar. We all love it, but our teeth don’t. That sugar mixes with the natural acids in our mouth and creates a powerful monster, eating away at the enamel and creating cavities. This doesn’t mean you have to cut out all sugary snacks and drinks, but it’s best to limit them where you can.

When it’s snack time, try to opt for healthier alternatives such as bananas or apples with peanut butter. You could even have your kids help you make ants on a log!

Schedule regular dental check-ups.

Those regular dental check-ups do more than many people realize. It’s not uncommon for someone to think that these cleanings are just that, a thorough tooth-brushing. What they don’t realize is that the dentist takes time to go over every tooth and ensure there is no sign of anything going wrong. This not only helps prevent problems, but it also ensures that it is easier to fix whatever problems manage to sneak through.

At a routine check-up, the dental hygienist will take X-rays to check out the structure of your little one’s teeth. This helps check for any hidden issues, as well as see how their teeth are developing. After this, it’s time to clean those teeth! The dental hygienist will brush and floss that little smile thoroughly, inevitably chatting away while they work. Finally, it’s time for the dentist to come in and examine the X-rays and teeth to make sure everything is in tip-top shape!

Use fluoride.

Did you know that most of the water sources in the U.S. are treated with fluoride? This is a huge win for our smiles! This mineral-based additive helps eradicate cavities and keep our teeth healthy and strong. If your family doesn’t get fluoride in your water, talk to your dentist about fluoride supplements to help keep those teeth healthy.

Ready for the daily routine?

Creating a solid dental routine for your family can seem overwhelming at times, but take it one step at a time, and it will make a world of difference in your children’s oral health. It’s never too early to start a dental care routine with your children—every little bit counts! The sooner you are able to start a steady routine, the more likely it will become a lifelong habit for your child.

As always, if you need an appointment, you can jump online and get on the schedule with just a few clicks. We look forward to helping keep those smiles happy and healthy!