Did you know that tooth decay is the number one most common chronic disease in children? That means try as you might, your child may develop some cavities as they grow. When this happens, it’s easy to feel guilty and blame yourself. However, don’t let these negative feelings blow out of proportion! Children are more vulnerable to cavities than adults, and there are a variety of unique factors that may be putting your little one at a higher risk. Here are five things you can do to combat “mom guilt” about cavities and keep your little one’s precious smile healthy!
1.) Teach Your Child About Timing
The easiest way to help prevent future cavities is to make sure your child is brushing twice a day for a full two minutes. To help ensure your little one is brushing often enough every day even when life gets hectic, consider getting them a fun-colored two minute timer they can watch while brushing, or letting them play an app on your smartphone that’s dedicated to helping kids brush.
2.) Find the Right Way to Floss
Flossing can feel awkward and difficult, which is why many adults and children alike shy away from it. However, flossing is essential for preventing tooth decay between teeth and close to the gums! Thankfully, there are plenty of flossing tools and aids that can make this healthy habit easier, such as floss picks or fun-flavored floss.
3.) Schedule Dental Visits Ahead of Time
Do you wait for your child to have a toothache or for your dentist to call you to schedule your child’s next dental checkup? If you want to spot and stop cavities as early as possible, it’s essential that your little one is getting their routine dental checkup every six months. Schedule your child’s next appointment before you even leave the office so that it doesn’t get left behind.
4.) Remember That Not All Teeth Are the Same
Even siblings can have very different teeth than one another. It’s not uncommon for one to get more cavities than the other! There are many different factors that influence a child’s risk of tooth decay, including genetics. Your dentist can help confirm if something is putting your little one at a higher risk and what steps you should take to account for it.
5.) Consider Investing in an Electric Toothbrush
Children are most likely to develop cavities as they learn to brush on their own. Learning how to maneuver a toothbrush can take some time, which allows cavity-causing plaque to buildup in some of those hard-to-clean areas of the mouth. Consider investing in a children’s electric toothbrush to combat this. Not only will it help your child more effectively clean their teeth and gums, but it can make it much more fun for them as well!
It’s natural to feel guilty when your son or daughter gets cavities. Instead of dwelling on it, make it a learning experience and focus more on your child’s at-home oral hygiene.
About the Practice
Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is proud to serve children of all ages in Nashua, Pelham, and the surrounding communities. From infants to teenagers, we have the specialized treatments that can help your little one overcome all the unique oral healthcare challenges they may face as they grow. While we’ll do everything we can to help prevent cavities, we also offer tooth-colored fillings to help repair decay seamlessly and gently. To learn more, we can be contacted online or at (603) 635-1166.