Making sure your child has healthy, strong teeth is really important. This is because your child’s dental health has a direct impact on their eating habits and their overall growth. Starting early is the key, oral hygiene starts in the first months of your child’s life. During infancy you should use a gentle cloth to rub their gums before teeth even show and be sure to carry on with gentle teeth brushing as teeth start to emerge. Your child starts developing permanent teeth around the age of 6. Developing their dental care habits during their early stages not only ensures their teeth remain strong and cavity-free but also inculcates habits of oral hygiene that they can follow throughout their life.

Developing these habits early on can also help your child prevent major problems such as tooth decay, cavities and gum disease at a later stage. Children today have easy access to sweets, chocolates and sugary drinks. By following these simple tips on how to prevent tooth decay you can ensure a healthy denture for your child and keep these habits in check:

  1. Get Regular Dental Checkups

There is no substitute for a thorough oral checkup by an experienced dental health professional. It is recommended to take your child to the dentist regularly post his first birthday. A dentist will examine your child’s teeth carefully and can help you detect problems early on. They can also advise you regarding the use of toothpaste and other oral hygiene products and provide recommendations for pastes which are ideally suited to your child’s dental needs.

  1. Use Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are an additional protection for your child’s teeth that help in preventing tooth decay. These sealants are applied on the back teeth to cover the pits and grooves. They act as a plastic coating for your child’s teeth and protect them against cavities and decay.

  1. Develop Healthy Eating Habits

Prevention of tooth decay starts at home. It might be difficult to curb your child’s indulgence for sugar and all things sweet but the restraint is worth it. Chocolates, cupcakes, sodas and other sugary drinks are really harmful for young, adult teeth and lead to the development of cavities very soon. Replace these snacks with healthier options such as carrots, nuts and cheese. Include fruits and other milk products in their diet to provide a balanced nutrition and prevent decay.

  1. Avoid Baby Bottle Decay

Putting your child to sleep with a bottle of milk, formula or juice attached to their mouth is very harmful. The sugar in these drinks lead to the growth of bacteria on your child’s teeth overnight and result in cavities early on. Replace the milk with water to avoid this problem.

  1. Use a Correct Toothpaste

Good, oral care habits such as brushing twice a day and flossing routinely go a long way in protecting your child’s teeth from decay. Use a quality toothpaste for brushing and ensure that it is not a flouride based toothpaste. Flouride Toothpastes should be avoided by children under the age of 6-8 years old as it can cause fluorosis of the adult teeth and can cause an upset stomach.

Keep these tips on how to prevent tooth decay in mind to ensure a healthy denture for your child. To make sure your child’s teeth are free from cavities and gum problems, book an appointment with our dentist today.

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