Helpful Tips to Lessen Your Kids’ Risk of Cavities

Today on the Spokane Dental blog, we’re tackling a topic that’s crucial for parents: how to lessen your kids’ risk of cavities. We know the struggle of getting kids excited about dental hygiene, but with the right approach, you can turn maintaining healthy smiles into a fun and rewarding experience.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Cavities

Good dental habits should start early – as soon as that first tooth makes its appearance or even before! While baby teeth are temporary, they play a significant role in your child’s oral development. They help with chewing, speaking, and holding space for permanent teeth. Protecting these tiny teeth from cavities sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. At the first sign of baby teeth (usually around 6 months of age), or before, you can get your little one accustomed to good oral hygiene. Using a clean, soft cloth you can massage the gums, or use a silicone brush that fits over your finger to clean the gums or teeth.

Brushing Basics: Making It Fun

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Let’s face it – brushing teeth isn’t always at the top of a child’s fun activities list. However, turning it into a game can work wonders. Here are some tips:

1. Sing a Song: Find a two-minute song or make up a silly brushing song. Singing while brushing not only makes the time fly but also ensures your child brushes for the recommended duration.

2. Use a Timer: Kids love timers, especially colorful ones with characters. Set it for two minutes to keep them brushing for the right amount of time. There are toothbrush timer apps that gamify brushing as well for a whole new level of fun.

3. Choose Fun Toothbrushes: Let your child pick out a toothbrush with their favorite character or in their favorite color. Electric toothbrushes with fun sounds and lights can also be a big hit.

4. Reward Systems: Create a sticker chart or reward system to track your child’s brushing habits. Small rewards can motivate consistent brushing.

The Art of Flossing

Cavities

Flossing might seem like an adult task, but it’s just as important for kids. Plaque loves to hide between teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. Here’s how to make flossing a part of your child’s daily routine:

1. Start Early: Begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have two teeth that touch. This sets the expectation that flossing is a normal part of dental care.

2. Use Fun Flossers: Kid-friendly flossers come in fun shapes and bright colors. These can make flossing feel like less of a chore and more like a game.

3. Floss Together: Make flossing a family affair. When kids see their parents flossing, they’re more likely to want to do it too.

Smart Snacking

Cavities

Snacking is an integral part of a child’s day, but it’s important to choose snacks wisely to prevent cavities. Here are some tooth-friendly snack ideas:

1. Crunchy Fruits and Veggies: Apples, carrots, and celery are not only healthy but can also be a natural tooth cleaner.

2. Cheese and Yogurt: Dairy products are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which help strengthen tooth enamel. However- refrain from putting your child to bed with a bottle of milk. This can lead to fast growing cavities.

3. Nuts and Seeds: These are great for older kids and provide essential nutrients while promoting saliva production, which helps wash away food particles.

4. Limit Sugary Snacks: Try to limit candy, cookies, starchy snacks (like goldfish crackers) and sugary drinks. Quantity and time exposed is key with these types of snacks- instead of letting your child munch all day, have them sit down and finish the snack, have some water, and then move on.

The Power of Water

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Speaking of water- a healthy water habit is a superhero for your child’s teeth. It helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day, especially after meals and snacks.

Regular Dental Visits: Making It a Positive Experience

Regular dental check-ups are crucial for preventing cavities and catching any issues early. We love seeing kids in our clinic and have an excellent team of hygienists and assistants along with Dr. Smith to make your children’s dental experience a positive one. The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday. Early visits help children get comfortable at the dentist and allow us to help set up the child for long term oral health success.

Utilize Fluoride

Fluoride has been long used in the dental field to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent cavities. Here are ways your children’s teeth can reap the benefits of fluoride:

1. Fluoridated Toothpaste: Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste once your child is old enough to spit it out.

2. Fluoridated Water: Currently, Spokane water is not fluoridated. If you are interested, Dr. Smith or our hygieniests can talk to you about fluoride supplements.

3. Fluoride Treatments: Regular fluoride treatments in our clinic can provide an extra layer of protection against cavities. This is just a topical treatment we apply to the teeth at the end of the visit.

The Role of Sealants

Dental sealants are a great way to protect your child’s teeth from cavities. These thin, protective coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities are most likely to develop. You can chat with Dr. Smith about whether sealants are a good option for your child.

Final Thoughts

Cavity prevention is all about establishing good habits early and making dental care fun and engaging for your child. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can help your child develop a lifetime of healthy habits and keep cavities at bay. If you have any questions or need more personalized advice, your team at Spokane Dental is here to help. Schedule your next appointment today, and let’s work together to keep your child’s smile bright and healthy! Give us a call at (509) 822-5614.