It’s never too early to teach your child good oral health habits. From scheduling regular appointments with an experienced pediatric dentist in Greenville, NC, to creating care routines at home, here are some best practices to prevent your child from developing cavities.
Cavity Prevention Tips
Cavities, also referred to as tooth decay, are holes that occur as the tooth is damaged by plaque and bacteria. According to Pediatric Dentists in Greenville, NC, Children are at high risk for cavities, as they often struggle to brush their teeth correctly and consume sugary or acidic foods. Keep reading to learn practical tips to prevent your child from developing cavities.
Take Your Child For Periodic Teeth Cleanings
The American Dental Association recommends taking your child for a dental visit by their first birthday. As soon as your baby has teeth, the risk of a cavity developing occurs. Your dentist will help you set a schedule for teeth cleaning in Greenville, NC, that will help prevent cavities and catch any early-stage tooth decay before it becomes severe.
Practice Good Oral Health Habits at Home
Directing your child through a consistent oral hygiene practice when they are young will help prevent cavities and form healthy habits. These positive behaviors may stay with them through adulthood and offer significant health benefits as they age.
Establish a routine of brushing at least twice daily with a dentist-approved toothpaste and regularly flossing. When children are young, you’ll need to help them learn to brush correctly and watch to make sure they are brushing all their teeth, as molars can be easily skipped.
Skip Sugary Treats
While any food can contribute to cavity formation if your child doesn’t brush their teeth, certain foods are more damaging to tooth enamel than others. Avoid or limit sugary foods such as desserts, soda, juices, and candy. Gummy candies, taffy, and fruit leather are especially destructive, as they become wedged between teeth and are difficult to clean off properly.
Schedule Appointments in Greenville, NC
Sometimes, despite parents’ best efforts, children still develop cavities. If that happens, the wisest thing to do is schedule your child for a dental filling in Greenville, NC as soon as possible.
Tooth decay can spread, and cavities in baby teeth can cause issues that impact your child’s adult teeth. Taking your child for a cavity filling in Greenville, NC, is the best way to prevent a cavity from causing long-term damage.
Make Dentist Visits Enjoyable in Greenville, NC
When you make dental care a regular part of your child’s life, dentist visits won’t cause anxiety or stress. Taking your child to a kids’ dentist in Greenville, NC, also makes the occasion more pleasant, as the dental team will be experienced in caring for children’s specific needs.
It’s never too soon to start thinking about your child’s dental health. Schedule an appointment at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry today, and take the first step toward helping your child have a healthy smile.