The best method to prevent tooth decay in children is through commitment to good health—oral health and nutritional health! Ideally, children should brush their teeth at least twice a day and follow a healthy, balanced diet to prevent tooth decay.
Attending regular dental check-ups is also a critical part of good oral health! Frequent exams are essential for identifying and treating tooth decay at an early stage.
So what do the signs of tooth decay look like? Tooth decay may appear as the following:
- Dull, white band on the tooth surface closest to the gum line
- Yellow, brown or black band on the tooth surface closest to the gum line (this indicates progressed decay)
- Teeth that look like brownish-black stumps (this indicates advanced decay)
Dental Health for Kids
Dental health for kids is crucial for a healthy, happy smile! Children should be brushing twice a day and flossing each day. As a parent, working with your child to develop a strong oral care routine will serve him or her for years to come. Show your child how to properly brush the front surfaces, back surfaces and chewing surfaces of their teeth. Give them a flossing lesson too!
To prevent tooth decay, we also suggest using an ADA-approved toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride helps to strengthen the tooth enamel and has been shown to reduce tooth decay by 18-40% among children and by nearly 35% among adults!
Do certain food and drinks make a difference?
Yes! Tooth decay is primarily caused by bacteria in the plaque that cover the teeth, due to an excessive amount of sugar in a person’s diet or sugar left on the teeth.
It’s important that parents monitor children’s consumption of sweets and sugary beverages. (All things in moderation!) Eating sweets sometimes is completely fine, of course, but a sugar-rich diet can quickly lead to decayed teeth.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Receiving regular dental check-ups and cleanings is an essential part of preventing tooth decay in children. The sooner we’re able to assess your child’s smile and identify potential tooth decay, the quicker we’re able to treat the condition and prevent it from progressing.
Depending on the child’s age, dental check-ups should occur anywhere from once every 3 months to once every year. (At your appointment, we’ll tell you when it’s best to visit us next!)
As Tampa’s preferred children’s dentist, we only want what’s best for your child’s health and wellbeing! We want you and your child to have the information you need to keep your child’s smile in its healthiest condition.
If you are seeking a dentist for kids in Tampa or Bradenton, we would love to meet you! We have 4 convenient locations to better accommodate you and your child.
Reach out to us today or request an appointment with us to see why Kids Smiles is the top child dentist in Tampa!
