5 Ways to Reduce Kids Cavities
Instilling good health habits and dental habits in your child from a young age will reduce their risk of oral and dental health issues like bad breath, tooth decay, and dental cavities. At Clark Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we maintain a strong focus on patient education and prevention. We will guide you through the process of creating and maintaining family health habits in Clark, NJ. Here are five simple oral hygiene tips that will reduce your child’s risk of dental cavities.
1. Create a Daily Ritual for Cavity Defense
You can make your child’s oral hygiene routine more fun by turning it into a game. Sing a fun song while your child brushes their teeth so that you can make sure they brush for the right amount of time. Create a rewards system that provides stickers for each day of oral hygiene and points they can trade in for larger rewards. Buy them a fun toothbrush that lights up, is in the shape of their favorite movie character, or plays a song while they brush.
2. Be Sugar Smart: Navigating the Sweet Terrain for Cavity-Free Smiles
Maintaining a healthy diet will help your child avoid plaque buildup, dental cavities, and tooth decay. Find alternatives to high-sugar foods, snacks, treats, and drinks. Choose options that contain natural sugar rather than added sugar. Opt for smart snacks like fresh fruits and vegetables, crackers, cheese, and yogurt. Encourage your child to drink milk and water rather than soda and juice.
3. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dental checkups will make sure your child is on the right track. We recommend that you visit us for dental cleanings and exams every six months. We will clean your child’s teeth thoroughly to remove plaque and tartar buildup and prevent tooth decay and dental cavities.
4. Keep Up With Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments can protect your child’s tooth enamel and reduce the risk of tooth decay. We offer fluoride treatments after dental exams and dental cleanings. We can also recommend children’s toothpaste that contains safe levels of fluoride.
5. Ask Us About Dental Sealants
Dental sealants protect the teeth of children who are more prone to cavities. We may recommend them if you are proactive about your child’s oral hygiene but your child is still getting cavities. Dental sealants are a safe plastic resin painted onto your child’s back molars and hardened using a UV light. When the resin hardens, it protects your child’s teeth from cavities.
Schedule a Dental Exam for Your Child in Clark, NJ
If it has been more than six months since your child’s last dental exam in Clark, NJ, come see us at Clark Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. Dr. Mary Flanagan and our team of experienced pediatric dentists will design a dental and oral hygiene routine for your child to protect them from cavities. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
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Cavities
