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5 Ways To Prevent Cavities In Children

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If your child is experiencing a lot of cavities lately, you probably feel pretty frustrated. Whether they are due to his love of sugary treats or poor oral hygiene habits, cavities can be a real pain. As a parent, you can take steps to improve your child's oral health. Here are five effective ways to prevent cavities in children:

Limit Sugary Treats

It is not a big secret that eating too many sweets can increase the risk of cavities. However, your child probably is not thinking about that when he is enjoying a doughnut or cupcake. It is up to you to limit the amount of sugary treats he eats by keeping them out of the house. Try to only allow your child to have sweets on special occasions.

Make Brushing Fun

If your child is like most, toothbrushing probably is not his favorite activity. He likely wants to get it over as quickly as possible and does not brush his teeth thoroughly enough. That is why it is important to make brushing more exciting. For example, you can play one of his favorite songs while he brushes his teeth or buy him a flavored toothpaste.

Feed Your Child Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables will not just boost your child's immune system; they can also keep cavities away. Crunchy fruits and veggies, like carrots and apples, can scrub food particles and plaque off your child's teeth, reducing the risk of decay.

Think About Dental Sealants

If your child's dentist puts dental sealants over the biting surfaces of his teeth, they can prevent food particles and bacteria from reaching his teeth. These sealants are inexpensive and can last several years.

Don't Skip Dental Visits

No matter how much your child begs to stay home, you must have him visit the dentist for a checkup every six months. During the exam, his dentist will check his mouth for early signs of cavities and other oral health issues. If the dentist does find a cavity, he can fill it before it causes your child any pain. It's a good idea to take your child to see a pediatric dentist because he will have experience treating kids.

Cavities are not fun at any age, but they can be especially traumatic for children. If you follow these helpful tips, you can help your child avoid cavities and have a clean and healthy mouth.


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