Tooth decay isn't a problem that affects only adults, as one might know. Toddler tooth decay is a concern for parents because 42 percent of children ages 2 to 11 develop a cavity in their primary teeth, reports the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Nearly 28 percent of children ages 2 to 5 develop at least one cavity. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the most common cause of toddler tooth decay is going to bed with a bottle. This particular condition is known as baby bottle tooth decay. The milk or juice from the bottle generally sits in your tot's mouth all night and create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
This is not known to many parents, but the result is as deadly as it can get. This may lead a parent to wonder what causes tooth decay, how to prevent it and how to treat it. Parents can count on cavity-causing toothaches to turn a child’s brilliant smile upside down. Here are some cavity prevention tips to help your children.
1. Brush Twice per day, and Floss
Brushing might be a tad bit boring, but then it is necessary, without which, you can’t really start your day. One of the best ways to keep yourself out of the dentist’s chair is by preventing oral issues before they make themselves known. The strongest tactic in any oral health routine is maintaining a positive routine for your oral health. You can help your child establish a mouth-healthy routine right now by having them brush their teeth twice per day for two minutes at a time, and floss once per day, so that you reach the tough-to-reach areas between their teeth. And this rule applies to people of all ages,may it be a kid, or an adult. By brushing twice per day for two minutes, and flossing once per day, you can go a long way in preventing cavities and keep tooth enamel strong and effective.
2. Swish with Mouthwash
Mouthwash is not that much of a popular idea among children than adults, but it’s a good habit to form so that cavity can be prevented effectively. Fluoride-containing mouthwash offers added protection after flossing and brushing and can easily kill those bad boys throughout the day. The convenience of mouthwash allows children to ‘swish and spit’ wherever they are, including home, school or extracurricular events. However, it can be quite tricky, to determine if your kids are ready to use mouthwash or not. Experimenting with water is a recommended first step to ensure they’re able to swish and spit without swallowing any liquid. Then you can provide them with child-specific mouthwash to help prevent tooth decay
3. Drink More Water
Water is one of the most effective and the absolute healthiest things for teeth. It is only the water which helps to keep the whole mouth clean, by washing away food debris that can harm the enamel, and by stimulating saliva production. In fact, since saliva is 99% water, drinking water is crucial for keeping teeth perfectly clean. Another benefit of water is that it contains no calories and no sugar, which is, rather, a common culprit in sodas and sports drinks you find today. And these are the only thing causing those weird things called cavities. One way to superpower your child to oral health happiness is by eliminating sugary drinks all together in favor of water. Medlife offers a range of precautions to take for the patients.
4. Reduce Sugar and Starch Intake
Cavities are formed when bacteria use sugar and starch to produce acids, which slowly but steadily, wear out enamel and cause holes to form in teeth. That means foods and drinks such as bread, cookies, candy, soda and juice can increase the risk of cavity development. This likely isn’t news to you and it’s unrealistic to expect children to completely eliminate these types of items from their diet. However, simply reducing sugar and starch intake will improve your child’s overall oral health. Not only will they keep your child’s teeth healthy, but also they will promote good teeth health preserving habits since childhood itself.
5. Enjoy a Healthier Diet
The food that you eat absolutely influences your health. It’s important, therefore, that your children achieve oral health success, by providing them with healthy, calcium giving meal options. Try adding those foods that will be clean as they are consumed. Eating wholesome and nutritious food is the only way to complement the oral health care routine. Carrots, apples, and celery are all high-fiber foods that clean teeth as they are eaten. The fibrous content actually helps to scrub away plaque buildup, which then strengthens the tooth enamel, which is the first line of defense against cavities. It is, therefore, crucial that you follow a vigorous and healthy diet.
6. Schedule an Appointment with Dentist
The holidays, any of them, are a great time to get an appointment for your oral health checkup – start your New Year with healthy and happy teeth and mouth. An oral health checkup is the best way to get a clear understanding of the specific issues (or non-issues) present in your child’s teeth and mouth. The state of your child’s oral health is crucial and if actionable advice is provided, it will improve their oral health even better. Medlife offers exciting and easy to follow tips, so that they can give them a healthy leg-up on cavities this New Year.
The fact that your toddler's teeth are going to fall out doesn't mean you can ignore a child's oral care. Good oral health habits will prevent tooth decay in the first set of teeth, making the new set even more strong and the habits your child learns will stick with him throughout his entire life. Getting children educated about how to protect their teeth during their free time probably the best way of keeping their teeth pearly whites, healthy and of course, glowing. Get the cavity free life with proper attention and awareness! Stay healthy.