How To Help Prevent Tooth Decay In Children
February is Children’s Dental Health Month. The American Dental Association uses February as a time to promote good oral health among children. Whether you have a child in your life or not, now is an excellent time to evaluate the state of your own oral health. Our younger patients often need some assistance in helping clean their teeth and learning healthy dental habits. If you are a parent of a young child or have a young child in your life, you know it can be a struggle to get them to understand the importance of brushing their teeth properly. Tooth decay is one of the leading chronic illnesses in children, so it is important to start teaching them healthy habits at a young age. There are certain precautions and steps you can take to help prevent your child from developing tooth decay:
Create an Oral Hygiene Routine
Children thrive on routine. They understand the process of doing the same thing over and over again. This can be beneficial when you are teaching your children how to properly clean their teeth. Starting an oral hygiene routine at a young age will set your child up for success. Children often have difficulty brushing their teeth, especially in the back of the mouth. This is when parents provide assistance until their children are comfortable enough to clean their teeth correctly on their own.
Invest in Sealants
The deep grooves in the rear molars can be problematic places for decay to develop in children. Sealants are a simple treatment that is brushed on the chewing surface of the rear molars and can help prevent decay from developing. This simple treatment can be completed in minutes and is highly effective.
Limit Sugary Foods
We know that children love gummies and sugary snacks. However, these foods can remain on the teeth, leading to serious complications with decay. It is important to limit the sugary treats that children eat and encourage healthier options instead.
If you, your child, or another family member is due for a hygiene examination, contact our office, which is located in Houston, TX, to schedule an appointment. During the examination, we can check to ensure tooth decay is not present or developing. We look forward to seeing you soon!