Children’s dental health – 5 tips to avoid tooth decay

Babies have twenty first teeth at birth which are also known as baby teeth. Primary teeth begin to appear at about 6 months of age and generally appear by the age of three. It is important to take your child to the dentist at one age so that the dentist can check your child for caries risks and educate you on the latest preventive care. Here are 5 tips to avoid tooth decay:

1. Brush twice daily. Children over 3 years old should brush their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Children under 3 years of age should use non-fluoridated infant toothpaste until they are old enough to spit out fluoride toothpaste. Encourage and motivate your child to brush his teeth by making it fun. Let them choose a toothbrush with a favorite color or character on them. Some children do a more efficient job of brushing with the help of an electric toothbrush. The novelty of an electric toothbrush may motivate your child to brush more frequently. Create a brushing routine by having your child brush first, followed by a cycle by you. Use a gentle, circular motion as you move the toothbrush around one or two teeth at a time. Change their toothbrush every three months because old bristles don’t clean well under the gum line and host more plaque and disease-causing bacteria.
2. Floss daily. Start flossing when your child is around 2 to 3 years old. Children generally need help flossing until they are 8 to 10 years old. Flossing helps remove debris on the teeth and gums between the teeth, polishing tooth surfaces and controlling bad breath. Flossing is most effective when done at least once a day for two to three minutes each time.
3. Schedule regular dental exams. Experts recommend that children begin a routine of regular dental check-ups starting at 12 months of age. They should have their teeth checked twice a year for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other health problems.
4. Eat nutritious foods. What your child eats and how often has a huge impact on his or her oral health and overall health. Eating foods high in sugar or starch feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Promoting healthy eating habits in childhood and adolescence to promote optimal health, growth and intellectual development into adulthood.
5. Apply sealants to the teeth. Dental sealants are thin plastic films drawn over the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth that act as hosts for food debris and plaque buildup. They are highly effective in preventing tooth decay. In fact, research has shown that sealants actually stop cavities when placed over a slightly decayed tooth because they block the supply of nutrients to cavity-causing bacteria. Sealants are especially beneficial for children because their newly erupted permanent teeth are most susceptible to decay, however patients of all ages can benefit from dental sealants.