No parent wants to learn that their young child has cavities. Having cavities at such a young age may be a sign of things to come. Luckily, most cavities are fully preventable with a little extra care. Diet and dental hygiene are the main reasons why cavities form in the first place. Eating too much sugar and not brushing properly are a fast track to developing cavities no matter how old you are, and a child’s teeth need special attention as they develop.

Candy and other sweets are bad for your teeth. Every parent knows this. But did you know that fruit juices are also loaded with unhealthy sugar? Most juices found in the market are filled with added sugars to make them tastier to the consumer. Such juices can be just as bad as soda. Even all natural juices with no added sugars are still risky due to the fructose content of the fruits used. These sugars, whether natural or added, break down tooth enamel and lead to decay and cavities if left untreated.

The best way to ensure that your child has healthy, strong teeth is to focus on diet. Phosphorous and calcium are both necessary components of healthy teeth. Vegetables and low sugar snacks, like unsweetened yogurt, are a great place to start.

Once your child’s diet is in order, you should focus on learning proper brushing and dental hygiene techniques. You should not only brush the front of your teeth, but also the inside surfaces as well as the chewing surfaces. Use circular motions so that the bristles can get into the crevices between teeth. Brushing the tongue is a great way to remove extra bacteria and keep your child’s breath smelling fresh and clean. It is also important that you teach your child to floss every day. Many dental health problems begin with the gums, so be sure to teach them proper flossing techniques and try to make it a routine.

Even though baby teeth eventually fall out and are replaced, it is important to keep those first teeth healthy. If baby teeth are allowed to decay, they may shift, causing the replacement teeth to grow improperly and sometimes crooked or bunched together. This will inevitably lead to serious dental issues when they grow older.

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s teeth, be sure to contact our Houston Pediatric Dental practice as soon as possible. Do not hesitate when it comes to your child’s health. They will thank you when they are older.