Good dental health is associated with a higher quality of life. The habits for dental hygiene begin in childhood, which is why it’s important to take steps to protect your kids’ teeth early in their lives.
Cavities are the most common chronic childhood disease, with more than 40% of kids having tooth decay before they reach kindergarten. When left untreated, those cavities can cause pain, infections and issues with speaking or eating.
Fortunately, childhood cavities are preventable if you follow the tips below:
- Starting in infanthood, wipe your baby’s gums with a washcloth after each meal or feeding, and avoid putting them to bed with a bottle.
- Schedule a dentist appointment for your children by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears.
- Maintain routine dental check-ups every 6 months.
- Begin brushing when the first tooth comes in using an infant toothbrush. Children’s teeth should be brushed twice a day for two full minutes with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
- Be sure to watch kids younger than 6 when they brush since they are more likely to swallow toothpaste. Once their teeth are touching, start flossing daily.
- Dental health begins with diet: to build strong teeth, kids should eat calcium-rich foods, such as dairy and leafy green vegetables. Serve fruits, vegetables or dairy for snacks rather than sweets.
- Finally, encourage drinking water instead of sugar-sweetened drinks like pop or juice. Water contains fluoride, which can help prevent tooth decay, and drinking water after eating rinses away food particles that can lead to cavities.
If you have any concerns about your children’s teeth, speak with your family dentist.
Natalie Peters is the community health educator at the Dallas County Public Health Department.
