As parents, we are always concerned about our children’s health, especially as they’re growing. However, it doesn’t just include physical health. Oral health for children is just as important, so as parents, it’s good to start your child on the right track. With the help of your pediatric dentist, you can teach your children how to develop an oral hygiene regime. Need to know where to start? At Caldwell & Steinbring - Dentistry For Children, we strive to provide high-quality pediatric dental care to children of all ages. So we have come up with some tips for you to take care of your children’s mouths, and how you can prevent them from dental cavities.
4 Tips to Prevent Dental Cavities
- Teach your child to brush and floss every day- If you have a baby, clean your baby's gums with a soft cloth or gauze pad to remove plaque before the first teeth come in. When your child's first teeth start coming in, have your child see a pediatric dentist. They will guide you on how to properly clean your child’s teeth with a toothbrush. It’s also important to ask if you can use fluoride toothpaste. For children ages 3 to 6 years, start flossing your child's teeth when he/she has teeth that touch each other.
- Do not use a bottle or sippy cup as a pacifier- If you let your child walk around with a bottle or pacifier for long periods, it can produce acids (from the milk sugar) that cause baby cavities. If your child wants to have the bottle or sippy cup in between meals, fill it with only water.
- Limit sweets or sticky foods/drinks- Sugary foods and drinks (such as juice), can produce acids that can cause cavities. Candy, gummies, cookies, Fruit Roll-Ups, and baked goods should be consumed in moderation. It is especially bad if your child snacks on them a lot. At the end of the day, make sure they have a balanced, nutritious diet with fruit/veggies, protein, whole grains, and dairy.
- Ask about sealants- Sealants are a protective coating used to reduce tooth decay and cavities. Ask your family dentist if they can apply a sealant to your child’s teeth. Dental sealants can also seal cracks and spaces between teeth where bacteria can easily build up and cause damage.
Get Support with Us!
At Larry Caldwell, DDS and Associates can help your child with all of their dental problems. Our high-quality dental team makes every child feel at home in the office. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to schedule an appointment at our Sugar Land, TX orthodontic office, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to meeting you and your child!