Healthy teeth free of cavities are important not only for adults, but also for children. What to do to help child’s teeth resist cavities?
How Caries Appears in Children
Cavities are a very common infectious disease that even children are susceptible to. In recent years, pediatric dentists have noted the emergence of tooth decay even in babies with baby teeth. Many children come to kindergarten with teeth that already hurt.The common belief among parents: “sweets spoil teeth”, in fact, does not save from dental treatment.
According to research by American scientists, the bacteria responsible for cavities occur in children who do not have teeth. They are found in the saliva and multiply on the soft tissues of the gums after each meal. Elements such as acids and sugar in the diet contribute to the multiplication of pathogens.
How to Protect a Child from Cavities
Of course, it is impossible to make a small child rinse his or her mouth. For tiny patients, dentists recommend using special cleansing wipes. They are like pads, thanks to which it is convenient for parents to treat the toothless gums of the baby after each meal.
The wipes are soaked in special herbal compositions and do not cause allergies in young patients. They will also help relieve discomfort when the teeth begin to grind.
UTOdent.com recommends regular use of this product, which will develop the habit of cleaning the child’s mouth after each meal. Thanks to the wipes, it will be easier to get your baby used to brushing their teeth twice a day, because they will have already developed the first rules of hygiene.
Dos and Don’ts
- Get your children to understand the significance of regular dental care: at least twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing.
- Boost intake of crisp, water-dense fruits and vegetables. Vegetables and fruits high in water assistance keep your child’s mouth hydrated. Crisp vegetables and fruits increase production of saliva, inhibiting bacteria from sticking to the teeth.
- Be aware that oral bacteria can quickly be spread through sharing food and drinks. To avoid swapping unsafe bacteria, teach your children not to share food and drink.
- Add cheese and nuts to the diet. Both cheese and nuts are rich in acid-fighters and help to remineralize the teeth.
- Make routine visits to the family dental professional a priority. Your child must begin seeing the family dental professional as quickly as his or her first tooth emerges and continue two times a year for life.
- Avoid sweets and starchy foods. Usage of these foods increases the level of acid-eroding plaque in the mouth. If your child consumes a lot of sweet or starchy foods, try to swap these foods for much healthier items, like fruits and vegetables. Teach your child to brush after every meal and treat when possible.
- Avoid sugar, consisting of and especially sugary drinks, like soda and juice beverages. This is not just helpful for your children’s teeth, however their overall health too.
- Consuming a lot of water every day, throughout the day, is among the most uncomplicated practices for avoiding dental cavities in children. In general, water can flush bacteria from the mouth and prevent acid from building up on the teeth. Fluoridated tap water can add another layer of protection, as fluoride is a tested cavity fighter.
- Ask your dental practitioner about dental sealants. Dental sealants can offer your children years of added protection from cavities, sealing cracks and areas in between teeth where bacteria can easily build-up and cause damage.
- Avoid sticky foods such as honey, caramel, or taffy. These can be difficult to remove from the teeth and add to acid formation and rapid dental caries.