At Coastal Kids Dental & Braces, we’re here to help defend against tooth decay and teach you and your child the best ways to maintain a healthy smile. Cavity prevention is key to a lifetime of optimal oral health and creating a beautiful smile can be as simple as building daily habits that make a difference.
Brush Your Teeth At Least Twice Each Day
The first step in cavity prevention is developing a habit for proper and regular brushing. Our dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day, every morning and especially every night before bedtime. We recommend parents assist with their child’s brushing up until the age of 8 to ensure all surfaces are cleaned and brushed to include: front, back, and all chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth. With a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste, your child can decrease the risk for cavities and enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Develop a Habit of Flossing
Flossing helps clean between your teeth where the toothbrush does not reach. By cleaning all sides of each tooth, your child’s cavity risk will significantly decrease. Begin flossing as soon as two teeth are touching and grown-ups should help until about the age of 8 years old. We recommend flossing at least once a day and brushing at least twice each day, especially before sleep, creating a bedtime dental care routine.
Rinse Daily with Mouthwash for Extra Protection
Adding a fluoridated mouthwash to your child’s dental care regimen provides an extra layer of defense against cavities. Swishing with a fluoridated mouthwash daily can help to strengthen tooth enamel and rinse out food particles and bacteria to keep your smile cavity-free.
Reduce Consumption of Sugary and Acidic Drinks
Fruit juices, soda, and sports drinks are all highly acidic and sugary and can create an ideal environment for cavities to develop. The sugar and acid in these drinks coat the teeth which can then lead to cavities. Our dentists recommend cutting down on sugary and acidic food and drinks to keep your child’s smile cavity free and healthy for life!
Using a straw to drink these beverages in moderation and increasing water intake can help decrease the risk of dental caries. Drinking water in place of juices and sodas is a great way for your child to fight cavities and keep a bright and healthy smile, thanks to the naturally occurring fluoride found in drinking water.
Visit Your Pediatric Dentist Regularly
Scheduling regular visits with an expert dentist for kids helps your dental team stay on top of potential issues and keep an eye on the development of your child’s teeth. Taking your child to a pediatric dentistry provides an expert look into the unique dental needs of growing mouths.
Your child’s dentist will conduct a thorough exam and cleaning, as well as recommend additional treatments, like fluoride treatment, dental x-rays, or dental sealants, that will help prevent tooth decay, preserve your child’s smile, and achieve a lifetime of optimal oral health.
Schedule an Appointment at Coastal Kids Dental & Braces Today!
At Coastal Kids Dental & Braces kids are our specialty, which means we do all that we do with your children in mind. Schedule your child’s next appointment with us for a lifetime of healthy smiles!
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