4 Tips For Helping Your Child Avoid Cavities

Posted on: 12 January 2017

Kids are typically less thorough with their oral hygiene than adults, so they have a higher risk of cavities. Dental decay can lead to sore teeth and extra trips to the dentist's office. As a parent, it is important to make sure your child practices good oral hygiene habits. Here are four helpful tips for helping your child avoid cavities:

Keep Sweets Out of the House

If your child is like many kids, he or she probably loves eating sweets. Unfortunately, eating a lot of sugary treats is not so good for the teeth. All that sugar can attract bacteria, increasing the risk of decay. That's why it is best to keep sweets out of the house. If you only let your child eat sweets on special occasions, his or her teeth will be better off.

Make Tooth Brushing More Fun

Tooth brushing is not the most exciting activity for kids, so many of them rush through it as quickly as possible. To encourage your child to be more thorough with brushing, try to make it more fun. For example, you could play a fun song in the background or buy your child a flavored toothpaste.

Do not Skip Dental Visits

No matter how much your child whines or complains, never allow him or her to skip a dental checkup. During these checkups, a dentist will check for early signs of cavities and other oral health issues. If the dentist detects a cavity, he or she can fill it before it gets bigger and more painful. It is a good idea to take your child to a dentist who specializes in treating kids. A pediatric dentist will know how to speak to your child and help him or her feel more comfortable.

Consider Dental Sealants

Some kids are just more prone to cavities than others. If this is the case with your child, you may want to consider getting dental sealants for him or her. They are placed over the biting surfaces of the teeth and keep bacteria away. Dental sealants are inexpensive and can help your child avoid extra trips to the dentist's office.

Cavities are no fun, especially for children. If you follow these helpful tips, you can reduce your child's risk of cavities and keep his or her mouth healthy. Also, you should remind your child of the importance of good oral hygiene on a regular basis. For more information, contact a professional in your area or visit a website like http://www.neufamilydental.com.

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