What can I do to prevent cavities in my kid’s teeth?
· Brush two times a day in the morning and after your last meal or snack at night. Brushing twice a day helps remove the bad bacteria that cause cavities. Use soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea size of fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time. Just 4 minutes a day can help stop the bad bacteria from wearing down your teeth for years to come. Here are some tips to make brushing fun!
· Floss. Remember, these bacteria are invisible to our eyes, but they see all the spaces in our teeth that we cannot. Flossing helps target some of the hard to reach bacteria that are in between our teeth and below our gum lines. Flossing daily can help prevent the bad bacteria from breaking down your teeth.
· Be mindful of your diet. The bad bacteria feed on sugar and carbohydrates that we eat every day. Try to lower the amount of sugar in your daily diet. There are a lot of hidden sugars packed into many of the foods and drinks we enjoy. Try to pick options that have a lower amount of sugar and carbohydrates to help prevent cavities.
· Rinse your mouth with water between meals. After you enjoy your meals, there are tiny pieces of food in your mouth. Bad bacteria are hungry too and are ready to feast. To help remove some of the food from your mouth, you can rinse your mouth with water. It is important to not use flavored water or sparkling water because that can welcome even more sugar and carbohydrates for the bad bacteria to feed on.
· Ask your dentist about sealants and fluoride varnishes. In addition to what you do at home every day to prevent caries, your dentist can give you extra protection from bad bacteria. Sealants are placed on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. Fluoride varnishes are rubbed onto many surfaces of all of your teeth. On your next visit to the dentist, ask if these are good options for you.
Smile! You now have habits that you can practice every day to protect your smile.
