We all want what is best for our children. We want them to have a great, pain-free childhood. There is nothing worse than seeing your child suffer. Cavities and other dental problems can be very painful for children. Expert dental care from an experienced dentist can help your child avoid painful cavities.
One of the easiest ways to ensure you are keeping your child free from oral pain is to choose the best dentist in your area. The number one approach to dealing with cavities is to prevent them from happening in the first place. You and your children’s dentist can help your child to grow up cavity-free.
Dispelling the Myth About Cavities
A lot of people believe that cavities are just a part of life. The truth is cavities are 100% preventable. You can help your child get on the path to good oral health and stay on it. The key is to work closely with a dentist that is committed to preventing your child from getting cavities.
Your child should be seeing the dentist about every three to six months starting at the age of one. Preventive measures are critical to keeping cavities away. The best dental care for your child is care that is focused on prevention. Visiting the dentist every three to six months will help you and your child stay ahead of any potential problems. This proactive approach ensures if any little problems do crop up, they can be addressed quickly before they turn into big problems.
Cavities Are Contagious
Most people do not know that cavities are contagious. The bacteria that cause cavities can be passed around the same way other bacteria can be passed around.
Cavities are a bacterial infection. The bacteria stick to the teeth, then feeds on any foods or sugars that are stuck to the teeth, and release acids that eat away at the enamel on the teeth. A recent study found that 30% of the three-month-old infants tested positive for cavity-causing bacteria, 60% of six-month-old babies returned positive results for cavity-causing bacteria, and 80% of the two-year-olds tested were also positive.
Design an Oral Health Lifestyle for Your Child
Preventing cavities for your child should take on the same urgency as protecting them from any other type of infection. You and your dentist can work together to create an oral health lifestyle for your child. The earlier you start the better.
Here are some tips to help your child avoid dental disease:
- Talk to your dentist about a tooth-healthy diet. A diet that is low in sugar is a great place to start. Even fruit juices should be given in moderation. Ask your dentist for other tips about a tooth-healthy diet.
- Brushing and flossing should be supervised until around the age of ten. A common mistake is letting kids take responsibility for their oral health too early on. Brush and floss your child’s teeth until age seven, teach them how to do it, then supervise until they are about ten. Make good oral care a family affair.
- Have the fluoride checked in your water. Most municipal water supplies are treated with fluoride, check to see if your water is. If you use well water, talk to your dentist about options. Use fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinses, and get regular fluoride treatments as part of your child’s dental care.
Giving your child the best start in life when it comes to their oral health is something that they will thank you for someday. If you are searching for a “dentist near me” make sure you choose a dentist like Lowell Dental Arts that can provide expert care for children to get the support you need.