Prevent dental caries in your children

Dental caries in children, aka dental cavities or tooth decay are extremely common. Dental caries are holes or structural damage in the teeth and can cause serious problems, such as pain and tooth loss. As a parent, you want your child to have strong baby teeth so that they can say those precious first words, chew their veggies, and of course show off their adorable smile. Not only are your child’s baby teeth important for eating and speaking, but they also make sure your child has enough space in their jaw for when their adult teeth grow in. You need to know the causes of dental caries in children in order to prevent your kids from getting them in the first place. So take a look at these important lists we’ve put together. The first is a list of common causes of dental caries in children, and the second is tips for the prevention of dental caries in children.

Causes of Dental Caries in Children

1. Bacteria – Bacteria in your child’s mouth converts sugar into acids through fermentation. If left in contact with the tooth, these acids cause tooth decay.
2. Time – The amount of time your child’s teeth are exposed to acidic environments the more likely they are to develop dental caries. This is why it is extremely important for your children to brush their teeth before bed.
3. Disease – There are certain diseases and disorders that affect teeth and may leave your child at a greater risk for dental caries. Amelogenesis imperfecta is a disease where the enamel does not fully form and leaves a tooth more vulnerable to tooth decay.

Tips for Prevention of Dental Caries in Children

1. Reduce their sugar intake – Avoid giving your children drinks that are high in sugar, such as fruit punch or soft drinks
   • Do not put your child to bed with a bottle of juice or milk. Give them water instead.
   • Limit juice to fewer than six ounces per day, and only during meals.
2. Brush those pearly whites- Begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they come in.
3. Floss daily – Begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as all of his or her baby teeth have come in, typically around the age of 2 ½.
4. Schedule dental appointments – Begin dental visits around the age of 2 or 3 when all of your child’s teeth have erupted.

We know how much you love your child’s perfect smile, so make sure you follow these simple tips to ensure that your children never experience a dental cavity.

If you are interested in more information about dental caries in children, call our dentist offices in NYC today!