Teeth decay from birth. Before they can talk, children know to spit out excess food to prevent tooth decay. Unfortunately, children don’t always know how to avoid tooth decay when eating certain foods. Do you know your child has over 20 baby teeth at birth? These are childhood permanent tooth roots. Some children have no tooth decay until their early 20s, but others do. Untreated tooth decay causes pain and disfigurement. There are easy ways to lower your child’s risk of tooth decay.
Tooth decay conjures images of rotten bread. Poor brushing or diet may even cause tooth decay. Are these logical conclusions true? Tooth decay prevention begins in the womb. Next, prevent childhood cavities. Infancy tooth decay increases the risk of childhood tooth decay. Bacteria on teeth cause tooth decay. This bacteria concentrates on teeth when children eat sugar. Tooth decay is more likely in children who don’t brush or eat well. Tooth decay is caused by poor diet and brushing. Sugary drinks and sugary foods are other risk factors.
Chewing Matters
Eating stimulates your child’s mouth bacteria. Plaque and cavities result. Before feeding her, chew her food. Avoid sugary and acidic foods to protect her teeth. Her main diet should be fruits and vegetables. Teach your older child to brush her teeth well. This prevents moderate tooth decay. To prevent tooth decay and build a healthy mouth, simply brush your child’s teeth twice a day.
Soften solid food before eating
Raw hard foods can damage teeth. Soften fruits and vegetables before feeding your child. This prevents cavities. Mixing foods in warm water or microwaving them for a few seconds softens them. Rinse your child’s mouth after solid food. This prevents cavities. Try spoon-feeding your child instead of brushing her teeth. She won’t brush while eating this way.
Avoid Squeezing or Bumping Teeth After Eating
Bacteria form on teeth after a child eats sugary food. This causes cavities. Avoid squeezing or bumping your teeth after meals. Plaque buildup damages teeth. Don’t brush—rinse. This prevents cavities.
Straw Drinking
Drinking through a straw limits sugary drinks. This protects teeth. Sugar naturally decays teeth. A straw keeps sugar from damaging your teeth. Straws prevent tooth decay. Drinking through a straw can prevent tooth decay, but brushing is still necessary.
Kids often get cavities. Eating well and brushing regularly can prevent it. Your child can also avoid tooth decay by brushing regularly and avoiding sugary drinks. Know tooth decay symptoms. Treat any immediately. This can keep your child’s teeth from decaying. Next time you eat, chew thoroughly, rinse your mouth with water, and don’t squeeze or bump your teeth.
Always remember:
Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time…. Floss everyday.
Change your toothbrush when it looks used.
Visit us every six months.
Eat a healthy diet.
Stay hydrated all day long, and don’t smoke.
Make your appointment today with Dr. Rob Andrew and Urban Smiles Family Dental. 780.989.6030
