Are You Doing the Best for Your Child’s Dental Health?
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). In the spirit of this year’s campaign slogan “Brush and clean in between to build a healthy smile”, we at Four Seasons Dental have created a list of top tips for parents on how to ensure their children’s smiles are protected against cavities.
What are Cavities?
Our mouths are a host to different kinds of bacteria. The bacteria feed on food debris that is left behind in our mouths after we eat. When feeding, harmful bacteria produce acids that are destroy tooth enamel. Eventually these acids decay our teeth, creating holes, called cavities. If a cavity is not found and treated, the decay can spread and result in the decay of the complete tooth, which would have to be removed.
Tips to Ensure Your Child is Protected from Cavities
Besides your child having a good knowledge on dental health care and brushing their teeth twice a day for two minutes, your child can benefit from the following tips:
- Limit the amount of sugary foods and between meal snacks you give your child or replace these snacks with a more healthier option. The additional sugar in these snacks help feed harmful acid-producing bacteria.
- Sugar is not only found in unhealthy snacks, but can also be found in natural foods such as fruit. Limit your child’s intake of fruit, and especially fruit juice.
- Your child should not eat after they have brushed their teeth at night. Saliva is a natural defense against cavity-causing bacteria. However, saliva flow in the mouth decreases while they are asleep. Therefore, they increase their chance of developing a cavity if they leave food debris in their mouths overnight.
- Your child should visit our Millcreek dentist office for cleanings and examinations.
If you suspect your child has a cavity or you wish to know more about what you can do to maintain your child’s dental health, contact Four Seasons Dental today to make an appointment.