Dental Implants: Pros and Cons

Good Oral Hygiene: 4 Easy Ways to Protect Kids from Cavities

by Brett Clark

Cavities are relatively common in children—primarily because of poor oral hygiene and from high sugar diets. From sweets and biscuits to pastries and chocolates, kids seem to want it all. Cavities are formed when the teeth in a person's mouth are subject to constant acid attacks (while eating and drinking).

Proper dental care is necessary to protect children's teeth from cavities, so it's best to teach them from the time they're young.

Ensure Regular Brushing and Flossing

The best way of preventing cavities is to maintain good oral hygiene. When they're just babies, wipe a baby's gums with a damp cloth after every meal to prevent bacteria from attacking the gums.

Children with fully sprouted teeth should brush twice a day and wash their mouths thoroughly after every meal. Toothpastes contain fluoride, which help to rebuild the enamel. Kids should not have a meal after they brush at night; this defeats the whole purpose of brushing.

Limit Certain Types of Foods

The bacteria that causes cavities creates acids that eat at the tooth's surface, which is known as demineralisation of teeth. Too much candy or chocolate every day without proper dental care will release this bacteria to destroy teeth. Drinking sweetened milk or canned juices can also eventually lead to cavities. Thus, you should avoid giving your children excess food with high sugar and starch and you'll start noticing healthier teeth in your kids.

Get Them Regular Fluoride Treatments

Regular fluoride treatments are recommended for proper dental care. The frequency is likely to be different for every one and will depend on the intensity of cavities. Fluoride helps in restoring minerals that are lost due to acid attacks on the teeth. Make sure you use fluoride toothpaste at home and give your children fluoride treated water. Fortunately, almost all tap water in Australia has been treated with fluoride.

Get Dental Sealants

Sealants are a great way to ensure that your child's teeth are free from cavities. Sealants are plastic gums that are painted on the grooves and gaps of the molars. Molars in the back of the mouth have many gaps, which increase the chance of food getting stuck and emitting bacteria and eventually leading to tooth decay. Sealants ensure that there are no gaps where food can enter and decay.

While proper dental care is important at home, it's important to regularly visit dental clinics like Pakington Dental Care so they can examine your kids and fix any minor oral problems before they turn into major dental catastrophes. 

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