Preventative Care For Your Child- Maintain Proper Hygiene To Avoid Cavities

Children are the most susceptible to developing cavities

. Heredity can also play a major role in how susceptible your child's teeth are to the formation of a cavity. The best way to prevent cavities is to properly brush and floss your child's teeth twice a day. Fluoride, which is a natural substance that also helps re-mineralize the tooth structure, is used in community water systems and is a main ingredient of many types of toothpastes.

Cavity Prevention

Many cavities originate in the hard-to-clean areas between teeth and in the fissures and pits - the edges in the tooth crown and gaps between teeth. Some common symptoms of a possible cavity may include:

*A painful toothache

*Higher sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, liquid, or food

*The presence of decay such as white spots

*Tooth discolorations

Your child should avoid frequent consumption of high sugar foods, especially sticky foods, because the longer the food stays on your teeth and gums, the greater likelihood a cavity will form. Healthy snacks that are low in sugar include white milk, fresh fruits, raw vegetables, dark breads, whole grain and enriched cereals, sugar free candies, gum and other snacks. High sugar foods are best eaten with a regular meal.

Proper Brushing and Flossing

Brushing and flossing are the most effective methods for removing harmful plaque from your child's teeth and gums. Removing debris off your child's teeth and gums in a timely manner helps to prevent bacteria in the food they eat from turning into harmful, cavity causing acids. Begin by cleaning your baby's teeth at birth by using a soft infant toothbrush and water. As soon as your baby's first teeth erupt, begin brushing them with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste - encourage your child to spit out, not swallow, excess toothpaste after brushing. By the age of four or five, your child should be able to begin brushing his or her teeth alone.

Flossing is a dental method used to remove bacteria and other debris that cannot be reached by a toothbrush. It generally entails a very thin piece of synthetic cord inserted and moved up and down between the sides of two adjoining teeth. Floss removes plaque and debris that stick to your child's teeth and gums. It also increases blood circulation in the gums. Many dentists believe that flossing is the single most important weapon against plaque. It is never too early to begin flossing once your child's baby teeth are fully erupted as daily flossing is an excellent and proven method for complementing your child's brushing routine and helping to prevent cavities, periodontal disease, and other dental problems later in life.

Fluoride

Held in regard by the dental community as an important mineral that is absorbed into and strengthens tooth enamel, Fluoride helps to prevent decay of tooth structures. In nearly every U.S. community, public drinking supplies are supplemented with sodium fluoride because the practice is acknowledged as safe and effective in fighting cavities.

Fluoride is a safe compound found throughout nature - from the water we drink and air we breathe, to many types of foods. It is absorbed into structures such as bones and teeth, making them stronger and more resistant to fractures and decay.

With proper oral hygiene you can ensure a healthy mouth and smile for your child. Begin now to maintain a healthy smile and prevent cavities. Talk to your child's pediatric dentist in Annapolis today for more information on proper maintenance of your child's teeth.

by: Gen Wright

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