As a parent, the best way to protect your kids’ smile is to ensure proactive care for their teeth. It includes oral hygiene habits that should ideally begin before teething, such as wiping the tender gums with a clean, wet gauze pad after every meal or feeding. As teeth erupt, consistent oral care is crucial. By age two, may consider using the best toothpaste for cavities in children.
Dental health also requires being mindful of the kid’s diet and intake of minerals such as fluoride. Some habits may have to be dropped, and others newly included to keep the kid’s milk teeth healthy and preserve the adult teeth that come in later. Prevention of tooth decay in kids and their progression into cavities can be achieved using the following dental care tips:
Proper Oral Hygiene: As the first tooth erupts, you may clean the child’s teeth after meals and before bed using a kids’ toothbrush and water. Flossing can begin as adjacent teeth erupt. For instance, you may try the Colgate Toothbrush for Kids (0 - 2 years). Its small brush head offers easy access to the child’s mouth, and its extra-soft bristles are gentle on the tender teeth and gums.
Regular Dental Visits: Dental hygiene also includes regular dental check-ups starting from six months after the first teeth have erupted. As the kid develops a full set of milk teeth, regular check-ups and dental cleanings help eliminate plaque build-up that may have escaped daily oral care and rule out potential oral problems, including dental caries.
Fluoride Intake: Fluoride strengthens the enamel and helps reverse early decay. Fluoridated tap water intake facilitates the development of cavity-resistant teeth in children between 6 and 16 years of age. If the intake is not sufficient, professional fluoride treatments for teeth may be necessary. Dentists also recommend the use of fluoride toothpaste for children (with supervision for ages 6 and below) and adults. When the kid turns two and learns to spit, you may start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste while brushing. For instance, you may try the Colgate Toothpaste for Kids (0–2 years) which is 50% less abrasive than adult toothpaste and enamel-friendly. It helps resist plaque build-up and cavities in kids. It contains natural fruit flavour and has no artificial ingredients.
Dental Varnish: It is a thin coating of fluoride that is painted onto the surface of the teeth. The fluoride in the varnish helps remineralize the enamel, making the teeth more resistant to decay. Dental varnish is especially beneficial for children and those at higher risk of tooth decay. The application process is simple, painless, and takes only a few minutes. The varnish adheres to the teeth and continues to release fluoride over time. The Indian Dental Association (IDA) recommends consulting a dentist to determine if dental varnish is suitable for your child’s oral health needs. Regular applications can significantly improve dental health and prevent cavities.
Dental Sealant: The chewing side of the back teeth usually has deeper grooves where food debris gets stuck and bacteria thrive. Sealant is a coating applied on the chewing surface to prevent food residues and plaque from sticking and causing decay. This makes the molars less susceptible to tooth decay. Sealants last for many years before having to be replaced. The IDA recommends you ask a paediatric dentist if a dental sealant is appropriate for your child’s teeth.
Dietary habits: Your child’s eating habits are also crucial in preventing decay. Ensure a nutritional diet and rinse the mouth with water after every meal. Ideally, do not let the kid sleep with a bottle of milk or sweetened juice. Limit foods loaded with sugars, starches and carbohydrates that linger on teeth and promote tooth decay. Cutting down on soft drinks and frequent snacking also helps reduce the risk of childhood tooth decay.
Tooth decay in kids is a common concern that can be prevented with proactive measures as part of the child’s healthcare. As the milk teeth develop, ensuring consistent oral hygiene with brushing, flossing, using fluoride toothpaste, and regular dental check-ups are essential. Fluoride intake through drinking water and limiting sugary drinks and snacks can prevent decay and cavities. With a proper dental care regimen, you can protect your child’s healthy smile.