Guidelines on How to Prevent Your Child’s Early Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is not a preserve of adults. This is a matter of great concern since more than 40 percent of children aged between 2 and 11 years develop cavities. This occurs when sugary deposits are left in the kids’ mouths for long. Such an environment paves way for the growth of bacteria, which produces an acid that causes the cavities.
Early tooth decay prevention among toddlers is important because it guarantees the wellbeing of their dental system. Children who don’t have tooth decay often have healthy and beautiful smiles. This goes a long way in building their self-esteem. It is important to prevent tooth decay in children because the disorder might cause further dental complications such as overbites as they grow up. A pediatric dentist in Locust can administer regular checkups to monitor the dental health of your child.
Ways Preventing Tooth Decay Among Children
Many parents think that because baby teeth are not permanent, they do not need close attention. You should however note that the health of the milk teeth greatly determines how healthy the dental system will be in adulthood. The following are some of the ways that you can use to prevent tooth decay in children.
- Maintaining Oral Hygiene
Keeping the dental system bacteria-free can be done by observing certain oral hygiene practices. When the children are still young, you should regularly wipe their gums using a clean washcloth after feeding them. As they grow older, use fluoride-free toothpaste to brush their teeth. You should also take your children to a pediatric dentist in Locust regularly so that their teeth can be checked and any disorders detected early.
- Feed Them on a Healthy Diet
The kind of food eaten by kids determines their dental health. In this regard, you need to avoid feeding your children on foods that have high sugar content. Candies and juices in particular need to be avoided since they contribute to early tooth decay. Children need to be fed on nutritious food. Feed them in combinations that lower the risk of tooth decay. Whole grains and veggies for instance clear harmful sugars from the mouth and prevent plaque buildup.
Children’s dental health is a matter of great concern. Failure to prevent, or treat early tooth decay often leads to further infection. You can always call your dentist around your neighborhood to schedule an appointment for your child. The best way to treat tooth decay is to prevent having one.