How to Stop Cavities From Spreading to Your Kid
Children acquire harmful bacteria in their mouths upon the development of teeth. These germs include dental caries, which cause cavities and dental problems that last into adulthood. Another bacteria, mutans streptococcus, causes cavities when it consumes sugar.
According to the AAPD, approximately 40% of children 2 - 5 years of age have cavities. This is a statistically alarming rate due to the prevalence of cavities in the United States. Tooth decay is quickly followed by the formation of plaques once the bacteria starts to set inside the tooth. Effective prevention of cavities in children can be achieved by talking to their dentist. A good first step is to ask their doctor what to do.
The following are the most effective techniques to keep germs from spreading to your baby's mouth:
Don't touch others:
Youngsters naturally gravitate toward their mouths and surrounding objects. They may also copiously share germs with their playmates, siblings, or family members. However, sharing hygiene care doesn't necessarily mean caring about oral hygiene. Children should be careful about sharing food and drinks with their peers. They should also wash their hands after playing or eating to reduce the risk of contracting germs.
Cleanse the bacteria away with a brush:
It is important to help children develop proper dental hygiene by cleaning their gums with a clean cloth after each feeding or meal. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria and plaque in their mouth.
Children younger than age 3 usually have difficulty using toothpaste or toothbrushes on their own. But teaching them these skills is easy when they're old enough to speak. All they need is a clean cloth or gauze to clean their mouths after every meal.
Toothpaste can be harmful to a child's digestive system if they're not taught how to spit it out when brushing. It's recommended to start them off with a child-specific toothbrush until they learn this. Alternatively, using water instead of toothpaste is recommended until the child can understand not to swallow the paste. Children need to begin brushing their teeth when they are young enough to avoid cavities. The dentist can tell you the appropriate ages at that your child should begin brushing their teeth. This will help prevent bacteria from building up in their mouths that could lead to cavities down the road.
Visit the Dentist Regularly is a Must:
When the one-year mark rolls around, start and end your search for a pediatrician early. Your child should already be acclimated to the fact that they need to visit the dentist regularly. The staff at Polkadot Pediatric Dentistry in Alpharetta, Georgia are well-known for making children feel comfortable and relaxed. They're experts at making kids comfortable with routine procedures such as examinations and office visits.
Your dentist expects you to understand that caring for your child's teeth and gums is an important part of pediatric oral hygiene. Brush or clean their gums at least twice a day, and don't feed them sugary foods. Watching what they eat can cut down on the likelihood of cavities and plaque buildup in children.
Toothbrushes and drinking cups should be given to children on their own; sharing them encourages bad habits. By teaching your family proper oral hygiene and by encouraging everyone in the house to participate, your baby's teeth will have a good start.
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