Baby teeth are essential. That’s why dental experts recommend taking care of them. Normally, we lost the baby teeth as part of the growing process. But some kids lose their baby teeth too early due to tooth decay. Such dental problems may cause pain and worse, life-threatening infections.
To prevent tooth decay, it is important to practice healthy dental habits. Parents and caregivers must know how to identify the signs of tooth decay and its prevention.
Causes of Tooth Decay in Kids
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that produce acid. The bacteria can be passed through the saliva. That is why parents or caregivers should avoid testing the foods when feeding the babies or sharing the same cups or spoons. Exposing the gums and teeth to any food or liquid other than water throughout the day can also cause tooth decay. Letting kids drink sugared drinks, formula milk, and other soda drinks can lead to the early
development of tooth decay. To avoid such a dental problem, the best thing to do is to practice proper oral care, eat a healthy diet, and follow preventive dental care.
Signs of Tooth Decay in Kids
The first sign of tooth decay is white spots on the front of a tooth or at the gum line. Sometimes it is difficult to identify the spots. Consulting a dentist is the best way to determine through dental examinations.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Kids
After knowing the causes and signs, the next step is to know the ways how to prevent tooth decay. Here are some tips to guide you.
Teach your child to brush and floss every day
We know that brushing our teeth is essential for dental hygiene. But brushing is not enough, it is also essential to floss the teeth. Teaching the kids the proper dental hygiene and practicing them every day can prevent tooth decay. Supervise your children to ensure they are doing the proper technique of brushing and flossing. Thus, maintaining good oral health.
Don’t use a bottle or sippy cup as a pacifier
Allowing your kids to use sippy cups causes the liquid to collect and stick around the teeth. It will eventually lead to tooth decay. Instead, encourage your child to use regular cups when drinking milk and other liquids. Weaning your child from using a bottle or sippy cup to a regular cup can help prevent tooth decay.
Limit the amount of sweet or sticky foods
Sticky and sweet foods can cause tooth decay. That’s why parents must not allow their children to eat these foods frequently. Foods like cookies, gummy, candies, and fruit roll-ups are for dental health. If ever they eat, tell them to brush and clean their teeth immediately. Otherwise, if the food particles remain on the teeth, they will cause decay. Likewise, parents must limit serving juice to kids because of its sugar content.
Seeing the Dentist
Dental experts recommend bringing a child to a dentist as early as one-year-old. A regular dental checkup can help to identify possible tooth decay and treat it before it progresses. It is essential to have regular examination and cleaning of your kid’s teeth. The dentist at Markham Smile Centre will recommend the proper treatment to reduce the risk of developing cavities and tooth decay.
Educate Your Children About Oral Health
As parents, it is essential to emphasize the importance of oral health to your children. Educate them about their gums and teeth, and how important it is to give them proper care. Once they have a better understanding of oral care, they will practice it every day. Teach them how often they should brush and floss their teeth and other relevant information about oral care.
Give your child nutritious foods
Healthy oral practices are not enough. It is also essential to give your child nutritious foods to make their teeth strong and healthy. Give them food like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Prepare a diet with more fiber and less sugar. Foods rich in fiber will keep the gums and teeth clean.
Fluoride Treatments And Sealants
Fluoride treatments and sealants can prevent the progress of tooth decay. The dentist will recommend if such preventive treatment is necessary. The treatment reverses the decaying process and prevents forming of cavities, particularly the rear molars. This proactive approach will also protect the teeth prone to the cavity from direct contact with sugary and acidic foods. Thus, less likely to develop tooth decay.
According to dental experts, fluoride protects the teeth from decay. It makes the tooth enamel stronger and prevents acid damage. The added minerals reverse the acid damage in the areas where the decay started. Using fluoridated water and fluoride toothpaste will help protect the buildup of tartar and plaque.
Sealant application can also reduce the risk of cavities and tooth decay. It serves as a protective coating to avoid the plaque and bacteria developing on the uneven surfaces of the teeth, especially molars.
Bottom line
Improving good oral habits is the key to preventing tooth decay. Avoid those things that can cause decay. A regular visit to a dentist is essential to monitor the condition of your child’s oral health. The information mentioned above will guide parents in maintaining the healthy teeth of their children.
