Pediatric Dentist in Tyler

As a parent, you are always concerned about your children’s overall health and wellness. Dental hygiene plays a big role in your child’s health and it’s important to take steps to prevent tooth decay in children at an early age.

Here are a few helpful tips to prevent tooth decay in children so that their teeth can stay healthy and cavity-free:

Avoid sharing saliva.

Don’t share saliva with your kids whether it’s through sharing spoons, pre-chewing their food, or licking their pacifiers. Sharing saliva with your children will make it easier for cavity-causing bacteria from your mouth to leach onto your child’s tongue. This means it is absolutely important for parents to keep up with their dental hygiene so transmission of these bacteria is less likely to happen.

Choose healthy snacks.

Incorporate healthier foods into your child’s diet including vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Encourage healthy eating habits by limiting the amount of sweets and sugary foods you give your children. Bacteria feeds on sugar and produces acid that can erode your child’s teeth and promote tooth decay so we recommend that you brush your teeth soon after eating.

Brush the plaque off.

Children should brush their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes so that they can make sure to adequately remove the plaque off their teeth. Parents should help children brush their teeth until they are able to do it themselves effectively. Parents should be in charge of brushing until they are around age 8. Once your child starts brushing their teeth themselves, supervise your children while they are brushing or check their teeth for plaque afterward.

Don’t wait to see the dentist.

The AAPD, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Dental Association (ADA) recommend that you take your child to their first dental visit by their birthday. Reason being is that tooth decay can start as young as 15 months old. This will also help to maintain a ongoing relationship with our dentist and you can have the tools and tips you need to prevent cavities and promote healthy dental habits in your children.

Make it fun.

Reward your kid’s for brushing correctly. Try making a reward chart. Every time your child brushes correctly, give your child a sticker. If you’re child reaches a certain amount of stickers for brushing successfully, give them a reward like a toy or stuffed animal. This encourages children to brush their teeth while also establishing an efficient brushing routine.

If you would like any more tips or information on how to prevent tooth decay in your children, please contact us.