Cavities are a common occurrence in children says, a dentist in Pleasanton,CA. However, they can easily be prevented using the proper care and habits. To help dental health amongst Pleasanton, CA parents and guardians there are a few resources for tips available. This is an in-depth guide on how to avoid children’s tooth decay.

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay happens when the acids from bacteria that are located on our teeth produce, damage tooth enamel. These bacteria grow in the presence of sugars and starches that are found on our teeth from food and beverages. As a result, over time these acids make small holes; called cavities in the enamel.

Why Early Dental Care Matters

• Cleaning a Mouth: It is important to clean your child’s mouth even before the first teeth appear. Use a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe any harmful bacteria from their gums.
• First Dental Visit: Schedule your child’s first visit to the dentist by his or her’ 1st birthday. Beyond these reasons, early visits can be utilized to create a dental home with your child and have the dentist monitor his or her oral health.

Daily Oral Hygiene Practices

• Brushing: Ensure your child brushes their teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Children aged 3 to 6 use a pea-sized amount, and children younger than three use a smear. Oversee brushing to ensure they do it properly and for the right amount of time.
• Flossing: As soon as your kid’s teeth contact, incorporate floss cleaning to eliminate plaque and also food particulates between the pearly whites.
• Use mouthwash: Consider using a fluoridated mouth rinse for kids who are older than 6 years to strengthen the enamel and decrease the risk of cavities.

Healthy Eating Habits

• Limit Sweet Foods and Beverages: Decrease the consumption of sweetened snacks, candies, and beverages in your child’s diet. To sum up, this bacterium can easily locate food within the cavities filled with sugar.
• Supply Healthy Snack Options: Include fruit, veggies, cheese, and yogurt as snack options. They are also good for alkalizing your mouth always a healthy thing when you realize the acidity from eating anything not 100% sugar-free is bad for teeth.
• Hydration: Offer your child water all through the day. One of the best ways to protect your teeth is by drinking water, as it can rinse away both food particles and harmful bacteria. Pleasanton tap water is also fluoridated, which has been shown to help prevent tooth decay.

Regular Dental Checkups

• Regular Trips: Make sure you attend your dental checkups once every six months. These visits help the dentist remove plaque as well apply fluoride and watch for any other mouth-related problems.
• Dental Sealants: Check with your dentist about dental sealants, a protective coating applied to the chewing surface of the back teeth. Sealants seal out food and bacteria, which helps prevent cavities.

Fluoride Treatments

• Fluoride Toothpaste: Use fluoride toothpaste as a regular part of your child’s routine. It fortifies them against tooth decay – enabling your enamel to essentially similarly back up and replace, so as much old or missing enamel fractures away.
• Fluoride Varnish: Your dentist may apply fluoride varnish to your child’s teeth at checkups. This type of fluoride treatment will increase your resistance to cavities.

Preventing dental decay in little kids requires a combination of good oral hygiene practices as well as an education on healthy eating and drinking habits for the family. Families living in Pleasanton, CA, can help their children avoid caries and keep them decay-free by taking a proactive approach and getting started early. Teaching your child good oral hygiene and being a positive role model, can set them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.