Tooth decay or dental caries is a common oral health concern for children. The consequences of tooth decay can be painful and expensive. As a result, speech and jaw development may be impaired.

Dental decay can be prevented through proper diet and proper dental hygiene. A child’s oral health is directly related to their parent’s involvement in their oral care routine. 

Acids in the mouth cause decay in teeth due to leftover food fragments. Teeth are gnawed by these acids, creating holes. Without treatment, caries may cause discomfort and irritation in your child’s mouth, as well as can cause harm to other teeth.

So, in this article, we will help both parents and kids to ensure their dental health is on track and they can flaunt a beautiful smile without any second thoughts!

Common tips to prevent tooth decay in kids

There are plenty of options (not to mention knowledge) for parents today when it comes to preventing cavities in their kid’s teeth. Though there are some common yet useful tips to prevent tooth decay from an early age:  

• Prevention Should Be Started Early: Apple juice bottles were not uncommon as pacifiers as recently as 20 years ago. Essentially, babies’ teeth become prime targets for early decay by being constantly saturated in sugars of all kinds (even so-called “healthy” ones like those in fruit juices and other formulas). Is it all that important, since they will eventually lose those milk teeth? Yes, it is! Until there are adult teeth ready to grow, kids need healthy and strong primary teeth, which act as placeholders so it is very important to make a conscious effort from the beginning to ensure your child has healthy teeth. 
• Consider Fluoride Treatments: While fluoridated toothpaste and water are useful, they are usually not sufficient to protect your child’s teeth from decay. Aside from eating healthy foods, reducing sweet consumption, brushing and flossing twice a day, and visiting their pediatric dentist every six months, kids should receive their fluoride treatments. A significant amount of the mineral is contained in these treatments, which will strengthen teeth and make them more resistant to decay over a lifetime. Moreover, ensure your children use fluoride toothpaste to avoid tooth decay.
• You Can’t Forget Sealants: As soon as children’s permanent molars begin erupting; usually around age 6 and again around 12 years of age, sealants are applied to their molars. Enamel surfaces that grind are the most vulnerable to decay, so these thin plastic coatings prevent damage to the enamel. By sealing all the tiny crevices where bacteria may accumulate, sealants eliminate the risk of decay and help teeth stay healthy and bright. In the battle against tooth decay, this is one of the most effective weapons available to modern dentistry in contrast to what was available to children back in the day.
• Apply the proper way of brushing: As a parent, it becomes very important to keep an eye on your kid’s oral care routine and it is important to check whether they are properly brushing their teeth or not. Along with regular dental visits, parents should also teach their children proper brushing and flossing techniques, and keep an eye on their diet. Eating a healthy diet also plays an important role in keeping oral and overall health on track.  

There are a lot of changes that come along with getting braces, including diet changes. It is important to feed your child the right foods in order to minimize the discomfort they will feel while wearing braces.

And as a parent, you can also make their brushing routine fun by making it a family oral care routine or simply rewarding them with something when they nicely follow their oral care routine. 

Kids’ dental health can be difficult to handle but we hope that the tips mentioned above will help them prevent tooth decay and other infections.