3 Anti-Cavity Tips for Kids

Tuesday - September 20th, 2016

Tooth decay is the #1 chronic illness for kids in the United States. In fact, cavities are 5x more common than asthma and 7x more common than hay fever. If left untreated, they can have negative effects on a child’s overall health, cognitive and social development, and self-esteem.

But the good news is that cavities are preventable. Here’s how you can help protect young teeth from cavities:

Seal cavities out: Dental sealants are a quick and easy way to help protect teeth from cavities, especially if your child is prone to them. First, the dentist paints a thin, plastic coating on the teeth. Then, it hardens to form a protective layer. Sealants should be applied to permanent molars and pre-molars as soon as they emerge.

Prevent them: In oral health, the best defense is a strong offense. To prevent cavities, kids should brush for two full minutes twice a day. In addition, you can make sure kids over age two use toothpaste that contains fluoride.

Right diet: Oral hygiene is only half the battle. Make sure to limit sugary foods like candy, and acidic beverages like soda and sports drinks. These are the top cavity-causing culprits.

Sources:

Orthodontics may be provided by general dentists.
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