7 Ways to Help Your Child Prevent Cavities

Cavities are a common dental concern. About 52% of kids have at least one cavity on a baby tooth, while 57% have at least one on a permanent tooth. Left untreated, cavities can cause pain and even infections.

The team at Smiles of Atlanta treats children of all ages here in Atlanta, Georgia, but we also want to help prevent dental issues, too. 

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, and in honor of that, Dr. Ed Trizzino is sharing seven ways to help your child prevent cavities. 

1. Start brushing habits as early as possible 

Begin brushing your child's teeth as soon as their first tooth emerges. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush suitable for their age and a smear of fluoride toothpaste. A smear is about the size of a grain of rice. 

2. Make brushing fun for your kids

Turn brushing time into an enjoyable routine. Let your child choose a colorful toothbrush or use toothpaste with a fun flavor. Consider playing their favorite song or setting a timer for two minutes to make the experience engaging.

Tip: you can search through the American Dental of Association’s list of children’s products that carry the Seal of Acceptance to find just the right flavor!

3. Teach your child the right way to clean their teeth

Demonstrate the correct brushing technique to your child. Show them how to reach the back teeth, their tongue, and the roof of their mouth. Supervise their brushing until they can effectively manage it on their own, typically around the age of 6 or 7.

4. Floss your children’s teeth

Introduce flossing as soon as your child's teeth start touching, usually around 2-3 years old. Use child-friendly floss picks or gentle flossing tools. Make it a nightly habit to remove plaque and food particles from between their teeth.

5. Add more tooth-friendly snacks to your child’s menu

Fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, and yogurt are excellent choices. Limit sugary and sticky treats that can contribute to cavity formation.

Fruit roll-ups and dried fruit may be tasty, but they can easily stick to your child’s teeth. Whole fruits don’t stick quite like the dried versions. That said, you don’t have to avoid sticky treats forever, but just be sure to rinse your child’s mouth after they eat.

6. Offer your child plenty of water throughout the day

Yes, drinking water helps fight cavities! That’s because water rinses away sugars and acids that can lead to cavities. 

7. Schedule regular dental visits 

Regular dental check-ups play a big role in preventing cavities. During your child’s cleaning, our team removes plaque and stubborn tartar 一 both of which can lead to cavities. Getting your child into a biannual routine sets them up for success now and for years to come.

Tip: because kids learn best by what you model for them, consider scheduling your cleaning at the same time. You can make an outing of it and then celebrate milestones (like checking off your dental cleaning) together.

What if your child has a cavity?

If your child does develop a cavity, it’s important to treat it as soon as possible. Treating a small cavity helps stop the spread of decay and reduces the need for more complex treatments. Here at Smiles of Atlanta, Dr. Trizzino offers metal-free composite fillings.

If you need to schedule your child’s dental cleaning (or yours!), call Smiles of Atlanta at 770-407-8459 today to experience holistic family dental care. You can also book your next appointment online any time day or night.