Tips for Preventing Childhood Cavities

When you have kids, it’s important to find an affordable dentist to provide professional dental care, but there are many simple ways for preventing tooth decay, and some of them cost little and work amazingly well. When you help your kids develop good dental care habits early, they’ll spend less time at the dentist and more time showing off their smiles. Here are a few recommendations to help you get your kids’ dental care routine on the right track.

Your Kids’ Dental Care Routine

• Make sure your kids brush their teeth properly at least twice a day.
• Flossing once per day is equally important. Flavored floss may encourage compliance.
• Find an affordable dentist, and make an appointment as soon as your child’s first tooth erupts.
• Ask your dentist in Owings Mills about professional dental sealants to prevent tooth decay.

Eating for Better Dental Health

• Pack lunch boxes with crisp, juicy fruits; they will help keep your child’s mouth hydrated.
• Serve low-fat, healthy cheese as a snack. The concentrated calcium helps strengthen teeth.
• Include natural nut butters made from peanuts, almonds, and other nuts; these contain nutrients that help remineralize teeth.

Change Eating Habits that Damage Teeth

• Avoid serving snacks frequently between meals. When possible, have your children brush or rinse with water or mouthwash after eating snacks.
• Severely limit or avoid sugary and sticky snacks like fruit leathers, cookies, and candy.
• Teach your kids to avoid sharing foods and drinks with others as this can spread oral bacteria.
• Encourage kids to drink plenty of water, and limit the consumption of acidic, sweet fruit juices.
• Eliminate soda.

Professional Intervention

When a tooth problem develops, seek dental care from a qualified, affordable dentist in Owings Mills immediately. If you follow your dentist’s recommendations regarding scheduled visits, imaging, and treatments, you’ll save money and your child won’t have to face the dreaded dental drill quite so often.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in Owings Mills, call Valley Dental Associates today at (443) 898-1240 or make an appointment.