Cavities in children, mainly pre-school kids and youth are common. Most often cavities in kids are cause by unhealthy eating and not able to clean the teeth properly.
Here are some helpful tips for all parents
- Children should Brush twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste, for at least 2 minutes each time.
- Birth to 12 months. Keep your baby’s mouth clean by gently wiping the gums with a clean baby washcloth.
- 12 to 36 months. Brush your child’s teeth 2 times a day. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste on the brush (or an amount about the size of a grain of rice).
- 3 – 6 years. Brush your child’s teeth 2 times a day. Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on the brush.
- Best times to brush are after breakfast and before going to bed.
- Clean between their teeth daily with kids floss, before they go to bed.
- Remember, “Kids’ mouth rinse with fluoride” is not a replacement for “brushing and flossing”.
- Use of electric tooth brush for kids has proven to be more effective in removing plaque, provided correct technique is followed.
- Rinse their mouth with water after they eat sticky/sweet food.
- Make them eat nutritious and balanced meals.
- Limit snacking to meal times only.
- Check with your dentist about:
- Use of supplemental fluoride, which can strengthen their teeth
- Use of dental sealants. A plastic protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (where decay often starts) to protect them from decay.
- Visit your dentist every six months, to get professional dental cleanings and oral examination.
It is helpful to watch your kids while they are brushing and help them with hard to reach areas. Most often they skip the back teeth and areas close to gum line.
Fremont dentist Dr. Jaspreet Harika treats children of all ages, starting from as young as 2 years. We have a kids friendly dental office providing overhead TVs and a game room. Book your child’s appointment today !
