In the Know for You to Know
The simple answer is Yes. Yes, you can because tooth decay (aka cavities) is preventable.
TOP TIPS TO PREVENT CAVITIES
- Cavities can begin just as a tooth is coming into their mouth
This is why even before your Baby gets their teeth it is important for you to clean their whole mouth, including their gums, cheeks, and tongue with a soft wash cloth after every feeding and before you put them to sleep.
Your Baby has to eat to grow. Any type of milk, formula, or juice contains sugar which may not do any apparent harm initially but once teeth begin coming in things change quickly. The sugar in these liquids adheres to each tooth’s surface and hurts the young developing teeth. Using a wash cloth or finger brush to clean these growing teeth after each feeding goes a long way and remember to lift their upper and lower lips so you can see their whole tooth.
The same goes for jam, honey, or anything sweet put on the pacifier. Once the binky is in their mouth their teeth take a sugar bath. Your baby is sweet enough. So nix the sweet stuff and keep those teeth sugar free.
- It’s best not to put Babies to bed with a bottle
Sometimes there’s no other way for them to go to sleep. So if you must put only water in the bottle and watch them so that you can take the bottle out of their crib as soon as they fall asleep .
- Cavities can be spread through saliva
The bacteria that causes cavities is in everyone’s mouth. It’s how they are kept in check that make the difference.
So there are 3 things you can do
1st resist the feeling to lick clean your child’s pacifier, spoon or anything that goes into their mouths, what’s in your mouth will soon be in theirs
2nd don’t share plates or utensils because sharing saliva can also share cavities
3rd while you’re making sure to clean and brush your child’s teeth don’t forget your own
- Some times Children need to take medicine
It’s the flavorings that make children like them that are simply sugar. So what’s a parent to do? Keep a wet washcloth with toothpaste close by to wipe their mouths and teeth after the medicine is swallowed.
- How much toothpaste?
For children under 3 years old, a smear (meaning a dab) of fluoridated toothpaste on a baby toothbrush or finger brush or wash cloth is the right amount. Keep a wet wash cloth close by to wipe off the teeth.
For children from 3 to 6 years old a rice grain size (which is quite small) of fluoridated toothpaste is all you need on a small soft toothbrush, finger brush or wash cloth and with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver’s help.
The #1 way to prevent cavities is to brush your child’s teeth each and every day.
Taking care of your child’s teeth with these tips allows you to begin good oral health at an early age.
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
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