How You Can Help Your Kids Fight Cavities

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While many people are able to visit the dentist and have dental work performed without experiencing much distress, a number of dental clients find themselves worrying over procedures, and a percentage of these experience intense fear and anxiety surrounding such an event, a reaction that is sometimes responsible for preventing or halting treatment. — John Smith Ph.D.

Did you know that tooth decay is the leading chronic disease not only among kids but also among adults? Although genes can make you more prone to cavities, your lifestyle and oral habits play a more significant role.

We can avoid this problem, and so can our kids. Here are the things you can do as a parent to help your kids avoid developing cavities.

Go To The Dentist Regularly

When it comes to kids, they should have their first checkup before the age of one. During this visit, the dentist will teach you about proper brushing habits and techniques. Additionally, they’ll perform a quick exam of your baby’s teeth and gums.

Seeing a professional early and regularly will help you detect problems early. You’ll be able to take action before things get worse.

Start Good Dental Habits Early

While habits are hard to break, they’re also hard to establish. For this reason, they must learn while they’re young. 

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Show your kids the proper way to brush their teeth. Watch over kids below eight years of age as they might accidentally swallow toothpaste. Once your child’s teeth start to touch, you can begin to floss them.

Moreover, there are things you can do even before your baby starts teething. After feeding, take a damp, soft washcloth and gently run it over their gums. This practice helps you get rid of bacteria that can affect their teeth later on. For this reason, don’t let them fall asleep while feeding. The sugar from the milk or formula can harm their oral health and lead to baby bottle syndrome.

Most of us have what Frank Keil calls an illusion of explanatory depth. That is, we think we know how things in our world work, but we really don’t. — Art Markman Ph.D.

Use The Right Tools

Good dental health also requires using the right equipment. Get your children the appropriate toothbrushes for their age. Adult ones may be too big for their mouth and too harsh on their gums.

As for toothpaste, look for something with fluoride. This component helps strengthen enamel and, thus, fight cavities. Check that the toothpaste you buy has a seal of acceptance from a dental association or regulating body.

Transition From A Bottle To A Cup

Most moms and dads think that using a bottle is harmless. However, this can be especially damaging to your child’s teeth. Doing so can push against the shape of their palate and cause crowding of teeth later on.

For this reason, doctors encourage parents to wean their kids off the bottle as soon as six months of age. Start switching them to a sippy cup and then a regular cup by two years old.

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Watch What They Drink And Eat

As you already know, your child’s diet is another factor that affects their dental health.

Avoid junk and sugary foods, including gummy vitamins and sweetened medicine. Have your kids rinse their mouth with water or brush their teeth after having something sweet.

Go for foods that promote good dental health. Fiber-rich foods will help keep their teeth and gums clean. Likewise, celery also acts like a toothbrush to get rid of plaque and food debris. It also contains vitamins C and A and antioxidants. Dairy products are full of protein and calcium, which are helpful for your teeth. Additionally, apples, carrots, and almonds have these benefits as well.

When a patient is anxious, another level of difficulty is added to the dentist’s work, whereas the calmer you can be—despite whatever discomfort you may be experiencing—the more you’ll optimize the outcome of your dentist’s efforts. — Leon F Seltzer Ph.D.

There’s a lot that we can do to avoid tooth decay in their children. Although it’s fun getting visits from the tooth fairy, having good teeth as an adult begins when you’re young. As a parent, give them a fighting chance.