Children love sweetened items. This increases the risk of cavities at an early age. In addition, poor oral hygiene can make your baby prone to early childhood caries (ECC) upon the eruption of the first teeth. This oral issue can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss. In addition, your child might have trouble biting and chewing and may experience crowding issues in the future. A good way to deal with this oral problem is by preventing it from occurring. Below are 3 ways to prevent early childhood caries.
Focus On Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is the first step towards preventing cavities in kids. If you neglect proper teeth cleaning techniques, plaque will accumulate on the tooth surface. This substance contains acid-producing bacteria that can attack the teeth' enamel, causing cavities. In this case, it is good to brush the child's teeth upon the first tooth eruption. In addition, be sure to clean the pacifiers as they can introduce harmful bacteria into the baby's mouth.
Consider Fluoride Toothpaste
A strong enamel contributes to healthy teeth. Fluoride plays a vital role in the health of your teeth. It strengthens the tooth enamel, making the tooth resistant to acids. It can also reverse the early signs of tooth decay. A good way to introduce fluoride into your child's teeth is by using a small amount of fluoride toothpaste when brushing their teeth. However, too much fluoride can cause fluorosis, a condition that results in white spots on the teeth. In this case, you must pay attention to how much toothpaste your kid uses.
Stick to Proper Eating and Drinking Habits
While putting your child in bed with a bottle of sweetened juices can be tempting, this habit can contribute to early childhood caries. Using pacifiers dipped in sugar or honey is another way to increase the risk of cavities in kids. In this case, sticking to effective feeding techniques is vital. This may include breastfeeding to give the baby essential nutrients and vitamins. Also, be sure to give your baby healthy foods such as dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Contact us today for any questions about early childhood caries.
San Francisco Dental Arts, 220 Montgomery St Ste. 825, San Francisco, CA 94104 | 415-854-9396 | thesfdentist.com | 10/3/2024 | Related Phrases: dentist San Francisco CA |