5 Easy Ways to Prevent Cavities in Kids
Simple Tips to Prevent Cavities in Kids of All Ages
By Dr. Stephanie Vera, DDS
Did you know that 1 in 4 kids have untreated tooth decay? That’s a surprising number, and untreated cavities can lead to pain and discomfort, which is why toothaches are the number one reason children miss school in the United States. Cavities happen when the bacteria that live in our mouths and on our teeth use the food we eat for energy and produce acid. This acid dissolves the outer layer of our teeth until a hole – or cavity – forms. This process can happen at any age, and can even start as soon as a baby gets their first tooth. As a mom and dentist, I want all children to live cavity free, and good at-home oral hygiene is the best way to prevent tooth decay and keep children happy, healthy, and pain free. Here are 5 easy tips to keep cavities away!
1. First Dental Visit & Regular Check-Ups
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) both agree that a child should have their first dental visit within 6 months of getting their first tooth, or by their first birthday – whichever comes first. After that, going to the dentist twice a year for check-ups and cleanings allow the dentist to evaluate your child’s risk of getting cavities, monitor their growth and development, and detect any issues before they become big problems. It will also allow the dentist or hygienist to complete a professional cleaning where they can remove the tartar and plaque build-up that cannot be removed at home.
2. Protect Those Teeth Professionally
Two easy and important ways to protect your child’s teeth from decay is the placement of sealants and professional application of fluoride.
For kids that are at risk for getting cavities, dental sealants are a highly effective way to protect the deep grooves and pits on the biting surfaces of back teeth where many kids struggle to brush effectively. Sealants are an easy, pain free procedure performed in dental offices, and are covered by most insurance! Sealants are an additional preventive measure to protect kid’s teeth, so it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits even after having them placed.
Despite the controversy, in appropriate amounts fluoride has been proven to be both safe and effective in preventing cavities by strengthening tooth enamel, or the outer-most layer of teeth. Fluoride can be found in the tap water of most cities and in most toothpaste; once your child gets their first tooth, start using a grain of rice-sized amount of toothpaste to brush twice a day. Once they’ve mastered the art of not swallowing their toothpaste, usually around 3 years old, kids can use a pea-sized amount. For anyone who wants added protection, or for kids who struggle to keep cavities away, the topical application of fluoride varnish is offered during regular dental check-ups.
3. Electric Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes are a great tool to have at home to help kids clean their teeth. The vibrations of an electric tooth brush allow better plaque removal with less effort, and since they automatically turn off after 2 minutes, you can ensure that your kiddo is brushing for the correct amount of time. As all parents know, 2 minutes is not always 2 minutes when your child is in charge!
4. Floss Those Teeth
There is a common expression among dental professionals that “you don’t have to floss all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep.” When it comes to flossing, most people – kids and adults alike – don’t do it often enough, but flossing in the only way to remove food and bacteria from between the teeth. While string floss is the preferred method, if kids have difficulty flossing, a children’s floss pick is the next best thing! They’re the perfect size and shape for cleaning between those tiny – they’re also a great tool for parents to use when helping young kids.
5. Smart Food Choices
One of the most important factors in the development of cavities is not just what we eat and drink, but how frequently we are feeding the bacteria in our mouths. Not all foods and drinks are created equal – and candies, cookies, and other sugary treats are not the only cavity causing foods. Since the bacteria in our mouths can use just everything to produce cavity-causing acid, even “healthy” sugars from things like fruit and milk put us at risk of tooth decay.
It is important to limit chewy, sticky foods, processed sugars, and reduce snacking, but you can also offset some of the tooth-softening acids by combining high risk foods like granola bars and crackers with proteins like cheese, nuts, or meats. Unfortunately, food is not the only thing linked to tooth decay, sugary or acidic drinks like Gatorade, sodas, and juice are just as bad, especially if they’re given between meals. The reality is, the safest drink for kids is also the simplest – water. In addition to keeping kids hydrated, water helps to naturally rinse away food debris and neutralize the acids produced by bacteria in our mouths.
Dr. Stephanie Vera is a general dentist practicing in Murphy, Texas. She is a graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry and believes education and prevention are essential to a happy, healthy smile.
