Cavities in children can affect their ability to chew and can cause early tooth loss. If you notice any cavities in your child's teeth, take them to a dentist for immediate dental cleaning so as to halt the condition and prevent extensive tooth decay.

Dentists can also use dental sealants to protect teeth that are eroded or at risk of getting decay. To best protect your child from cavities and tooth decay, you need to determine whether they are at risk. Read on to learn children who typically have the highest risk of developing tooth decay. 

Children with no proper brushing routine

Essentially, you should start brushing your child's baby teeth as soon as they erupt. Maintaining a proper brushing routine with fluoride toothpaste can help remove plaque that causes tooth decay and strengthen the teeth to better resist developing cavities.

Without a proper brushing routine, your child will be at a higher risk of developing dental complications such as gum disease and tooth decay. Be sure to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles so as to avoid injuring your child's delicate gums as you brush. You should also choose a toothbrush with a small, rounded head so that it fits comfortably into the child's mouth and reaches the back teeth.

Even after your child is old enough to brush their teeth, you should still supervise them to ensure they are doing it properly. Choosing toothpaste with a flavor that your child likes can help make brushing more enjoyable. 

Those who eat a lot of processed food

Children who eat a lot of foods with processed sugars are often at a higher risk of developing cavities. The sugars encourage the rapid growth of bacteria on the teeth, causing erosion of the developing tooth enamel. To keep your child safe, try to avoid giving them carbonated drinks such as sodas and give them seltzer water or other drinks with little or no sugar.

Instead of a snack bar, consider giving your child whole foods with simple sugars such as bananas or apples. Be sure to also include fresh, colored vegetables to every meal, as they essentially contain nutrients needed to make teeth more resistant to decay. 

Children whose parents have tooth decay

If you as a parent have severe cavities, your child may be at a high risk of developing tooth decay as well. This is because bacteria from your mouth may be passed to the child during infancy, either through kissing or sharing or utensils.

This often allows oral bacteria to take a hold on the infant's teeth at an early stage. To prevent this, take your child to a dentist for oral cleaning at least twice a year and establish a proper brushing and flossing routine for your child early on. 

For more information and assistance with preventing cavities, visit your family dentist your visit websites like http://www.charlottesvilledentistry.com/.

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