Around 28% of children have cavities in their teeth between the ages of 2-5. This is detrimental because it can affect the teeth that will take the place of their baby teeth as they continue to grow.
Are you wondering how to prevent cavities in baby teeth? You’ve come to the right place because we’re going to give you some tips below that will help you keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy as they continue growing.
Don’t Leave Baby With a Bottle
It’s tempting to prop a bottle up while your child is feeding and go about doing another task. While this is easy, it’s also dangerous as it can be a choking hazard, and it can affect your child’s teeth.
When milk sits in the mouth of a child, it pools around their teeth, creating a breeding ground for enamel erosion that can lead to cavities. You should always be present when your child is feeding, and when they’re done, remove the bottle.
This will prevent milk from sitting around their teeth and causing dental issues. If your child begins to have cavities because of a bottle later on down the road, your doctor may suggest dental implants.
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Brush or Wipe Gums Twice Daily
Another way to keep your child’s teeth and gums free from cavities is to ensure that you brush or wipe your child’s gums at least twice a day. This can be adjusted if you feel that your child’s teeth need more attention and can be done after every feeding.
This will ensure that any food particles or milk aren’t left to stick to the teeth. Over time, as food particles continue to remain on the tooth surface, they can create a stain on the tooth that will eventually turn into a cavity.
Use a Fluoride Supplement
Fluoride is essential to protecting your teeth and keeping them healthy. You must check your water to see if there’s already fluoride present.
If there isn’t any fluoride present in your home’s drinking water, you may want to speak to your dentist about a fluoride supplement that can be used to ensure your child’s teeth are protected. Speaking to your doctor first will prevent your child from getting to much fluoride, which can result in fluorosis.
Fluorosis has been known to leave white stains on teeth when children are getting too much of it in their system.
Avoiding Cavities in Baby Teeth
When it comes to preventing cavities in baby teeth, the options listed above are just a few of the ways to avoid them. Overall you’ve got to teach your child good oral hygiene habits to prevent teeth and gum issues.
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