6 Ways To Help A Cavity-Prone Child

Dentist Blog

Every parent sits in the waiting room hoping that their child emerges from the pediatric dentist's office with good news - no cavities. While some parents have their wish granted, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) states that cavities are the "most common chronic disease of children ... and adolescents." It may be frustrating, but there are ways you can help your child get a better report from the dentist next time. 

1. Brush More: If your child is on a twice a day brushing routine, try increasing it to three times a day. While you can't ask them to brush at school, you could institute a plan of a quick brush immediately after school. 

2. Use Detection Tabs: Talk to your kids's dentist about purchasing detection tabs. These edible tabs are chewed after brushing to show children spots on their teeth that were inadvertently missed during their brushing process. It can help teach children of all ages better brushing techniques. 

3. Try Mouth Wash: Adult mouthwash may be too intense for children, but there are several brands on the market made exclusively for children. They come in fun flavors, like watermelon or bubblegum. They help rinse off debris and kill bacteria. 

4. Teach to Floss: Experts state that flossing is important for removing debris caught between teeth that can cause cavities. Parents should floss for children until around the age of eight and then supervise their child thereafter to ensure proper flossing technique. If your child has not been flossing, doing so may help at their next pediatric dentist appointment. 

5. Visit the Hygienist More: The average American sees their hygienist for a cleaning twice a year. There is nothing, however, that prevents you from going more often. If you have a cavity-prone child, schedule quarterly cleanings instead. While it is unlikely that your dental insurance policy will cover the extra cleanings, you can pay out-of-pocket for the service, which may be less expensive -- and certainly less painful -- than another cavity. 

6. Apply Fluoride Coating: Your pediatric dentist can apply a fluoride varnish or coating on your child's teeth. This coating hardens and forms a protective barrier between the bacteria in your child's mouth and their vulnerable teeth. It can prevent new cavities from forming between dental visits and slow down the growth of any existing cavities.

Cavities can be stressful. Helping your child take care of their teeth is important and these steps can help with that goal. Find a pediatric dentist in your area like Scott W. Murphy Dentistry.

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13 July 2020

To Tell the Tooth: A Dental Blog

Do you care for your teeth like you should? Most people brush their teeth, but so many people rush through this process and are not as careful as they should be. Still others avoid flossing. A lack of dental care over the years can lead to increased decay. Thankfully, we have dentists who can treat decay with fillings, crowns, and in some cases, root canals. Dentists also provide preventative care. They can clean your teeth and use things like fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel. The more you know about dental care, the better you'll be able to care for your mouth, so feel free to read some of the articles on this website.