Dentist Carol Stream

60188 Dentist | 6 Tips for Preventing Tooth Decay in Children

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Oral health is important at every stage in life. Just because your children are going to lose their primary (baby) teeth eventually doesn’t mean that we can ignore the importance of dental care. Tooth decay can be painful and uncomfortable to treat. To protect your child’s smile, it is vital to understand optimal preventive care.

  1. Explain the important of routine dental care to
    your children and turn brushing and flossing into something fun that they look
    forward to each day.
  • Schedule routine appointments to our office for
    cleanings and dental exams. Your child should start seeing a dentist as soon as
    their first tooth emerges. Make sure to continue visiting us twice a year for
    optimal oral health.
  • Include crisp and fibrous foods into your
    child’s diet. Fruits and vegetables high in water content help keep your
    child’s mouth hydrated. Foods such as apples increase saliva which inhibit
    bacteria from sticking to their teeth.
  • Avoid food and drinks that are high in sugar.
    Soda, juice and candy are all treats that most children love to eat. However,
    these can be detrimental to your child’s teeth and overall health.
  • Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is
    one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent tooth decay. Water
    flushes bacteria and acid away from teeth. Encourage your children to drink
    water especially after eating.
  • Ask us about dental sealants for your children. Sealants
    can add a layer of protection to your child’s teeth where bacteria build up to
    prevent damage.

Tooth decay starts out as a small problem, but left untreated can lead to serious oral health issues. By adding a few minor habits into your daily routine, your child’s oral health can change for the better. Simple changes in diet and routine can keep cavities at bay.

Call us today to schedule an appointment for your child.