Pediatric care · 5 min read
How to Prevent Cavities in Children: What Every Parent Should Know
Written by Dr Nels
As a parent, protecting your child's smile requires a proactive approach. While tooth decay is incredibly common in children, the good news is that it is almost entirely preventable. Building strong oral hygiene habits early sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
Here are the most practical steps you can take to keep your child's smile cavity-free:
- 01
Start brushing early
Begin wiping your baby's gums with a damp cloth before teeth emerge. Once the first tooth appears, switch to a soft-bristled brush.
- 02
Brush twice daily
Help your child brush for two minutes, twice a day. Use a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste for kids under three, and a pea-sized amount for ages three to six.
- 03
Floss daily
As soon as two teeth touch, start flossing daily to remove hidden plaque.
- 04
Limit sugary snacks
Mouth bacteria feed on sugar to create enamel-destroying acids. Swap juices and candies for water and crunchy vegetables.
- 05
Ditch the bedtime bottle
Never put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. The pooling sugars quickly lead to decay.
- 06
Visit the dentist
Schedule their first dental visit by their first birthday, and maintain routine checkups every six months.
Integrating these simple steps into your daily routine protects your child's teeth and ensures a bright, healthy smile for years to come.
Book your child's first visit.
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