4 Tips to Reduce Your Child’s Risk for Tooth Decay

At Dentistry of Kingwood, we’ve got a special place in our hearts for our smallest patients.

That’s why we want to share with you, the parent, all we know about keeping your child’s smile healthy.

•  Cut out sweet drinks.

Most cases of childhood tooth decay is linked to a habit of sipping on anything other than water. Sippy cups and bottles should not be filled with anything other than water unless it’s mealtime. Constant exposure to acids and sugars in juice and even milk can cause rapid cavity formation.

•  Limit snack times.

We’re not imposing a limit on how much you should feed your child. But pediatricians and dentists agree that you should try to allow no more than five eating sessions throughout the day. Frequent in-between snacks keep your kids’ teeth in constant contact with food acids.

•  Use fluoride toothpaste.

Fluoride is safe for children. As soon as your baby’s first tooth appears, it’s good to start using a fluoride toothpaste with a mild flavor. Use only a rice grain-sized amount of paste until your child is old enough to spit out the excess.

• Brush your child’s teeth twice a day.

Your child should be able to brush his or her teeth by the time they can tie their own shoes. Until then, you need to be doing it for them. Encourage your child to brush on their own, but until they can do a thorough job, you should follow up by brushing the teeth again yourself.

We love kids and look forward to getting to know your entire family! Call our Kingwood dental office today to schedule a visit.

Posted on Behalf of Dentistry Of Kingwood