Helping Your Child Prevent Cavities

Maintaining good oral health is essential for a lifetime

Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease and statistics show that 1 in 5 children will develop some form of decay between the ages of 5 and 11. The key to preventing cavities is adopting a consistent oral hygiene routine at home and maintaining 6 month checkups with your child’s dentist.

Other preventative measures can go a long way in helping to fight childhood dental cavities like:

• Perform your brushing and flossing routine together so that your child can model good oral habits after you

• Allow your child to brush his teeth first, and then you can finish the process making sure to brush all of the hard-to-reach places

• Avoid prolonged exposure to sugary foods or beverages such as juice, fruit snacks and milk

• If your child does have juice or a sugary snack, rinse the mouth with water a few times to wash away the excess sugar

• Do not put your child to bed with milk or juice in a sippy cup, water is the best drink to have a night

• Supervise children during their brushing until they are 8 or 9 years old and have developed the dexterity to clean all surfaces of the teeth

• Never miss your 6 month checkup. Problems caught early enough can save your child’s teeth and prevent a bigger problem in the future

At your child’s 6 month dental cleaning and exams, Kids Dental Center of Cleveland, TN will review the proper brushing and flossing techniques with your child. As children begin to get their permanent molars, we provide dental sealants to help prevent decay. Dental sealants are a proactive measure used to keep teeth healthy as your child grows and becomes better at cleaning his or her teeth. Schedule your child’s 6-month dental cleaning and exam today by calling (423) 458-4147 or schedule an appointment online.