How To Prevent Tooth Decay In Children
Are you a parent to a young child, or do you have a young child in your life? If so, you know that children can have a mind of their own at times. It can be particularly challenging for parents to get their children to brush their teeth. Then, after hounding them endlessly for them to brush their teeth, you find out they didn’t do it. It can be a vicious cycle, day after day. We know parents want their children to learn proper oral hygiene to create lasting habits and help avoid tooth decay, one of the most common chronic conditions in children. We want to share some helpful ways you can help prevent the child in your life from developing tooth decay.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Children
There are certain precautions and steps you can take to help prevent your child from developing tooth decay:
Create a Routine for Brushing Teeth
It is never too early to teach your children to get into the habit of brushing their teeth and doing it correctly. Most children struggle to brush their teeth properly. Some children only suck on the toothbrush, while others only brush the front of their teeth and perhaps one side. It is important for parents or an adult in the home to demonstrate the proper way to brush teeth. In fact, you may have to help until the child brushes correctly.
Limit Sticky Sweets
It seems that children gravitate toward sweet, sticky foods like moths to a flame. This is one of the reasons gummy vitamins became so popular. Sticky foods can remain trapped in the grooves on the teeth, increasing the chance of developing decay.
Invest in Fluoride and Sealants
Your child should be visiting our office for a routine hygiene examination and cleaning every six months. During this visit, we may suggest fluoride and dental sealants for their teeth. Both will help protect the teeth against decay.
If you, your child, or another family member is due for a hygiene examination, be sure to contact our office located in Terre Haute, IN to schedule an appointment. During the examination, we can check to ensure tooth decay is not present or developing. We look forward to seeing you soon!
