How Preventive Dental Care for Kids Helps Mitigate Cavities

Acknowledging and preventing cavities is part of preventive dental care for kids. Cavities start as tiny holes or spots that are usually undetectable. The damage becomes obvious when symptoms, such as pain and discoloration, start to surface. If you want to know more about how preventive dental care for kids alleviates cavities, here are the details.

Fluoride is essential in preventive dental care for kids

This naturally-occurring mineral can help defend the teeth against tooth decay and cavity formation. Fluoride has been reported to reverse dental decay if caught in its early stages. It can reduce demineralization or even replace lost minerals in the enamel. It can also stop bacteria from producing acids that erode dental structures.

Practicing preventive dental care for kids means giving them the right amount of fluoride. This can happen in many ways. Using fluoride toothpaste can help protect a child’s teeth from plaque and tartar. If the family lives in an area where the water is fortified with fluoride, the child’s teeth can have more protection.

Regular dental visits support preventive dental care for kids

Seeing the dentist for regular checkups can help detect and treat dental decay during its onset. The dentist can examine the child’s teeth and discuss the possible treatments with the parent and young patient. This helps reduce the child’s risk of cavities. A fluoride treatment series can strengthen the enamel and even reverse the early signs of decay.

At the dental clinic, the dentist will use a gel or foam material to coat the child’s teeth. A slide tray that is filled with a fluoride solution can be another way to deliver the fluoride treatment. The application must stay on the child’s teeth for a few minutes. The dentist can also prescribe fluoride tablets or a fluoride mouthwash for the child to use as preventive dental care for kids at home.

Dental sealants

This is another effective method for preventive dental care for kids. The moment baby teeth and permanent teeth start to erupt, the dentist will apply a plastic resin coating on the child’s teeth. This will protect and strengthen the teeth against plaque buildup. This barrier will prevent the food particles from getting stuck to the chewing surfaces of teeth. It also makes cleaning easier.

Lifestyle and diet changes

Keeping cavities at bay is part of preventive dental care for kids. Parents must encourage the kids to brush two times a day and floss once a day. Using a fluoride mouthwash can remove plaque and food particles after cleaning the teeth. Staying away from enamel-destroying foods can also help protect teeth from decay.

Staying away from carbohydrate-rich foods can prevent gum disease as well. This may be difficult to do with kids in the house. But explaining the importance of healthy snacking and eating can help the parent gain more cooperation from them. Healthy gums and jawbones can support teeth better. The teeth become stronger. The child’s breath becomes better, helping the child gain more self-esteem.