Keeping Your Kids’ Teeth Cavity-Free – Advice from a Dentist in Encinitas

Keeping your children’s teeth healthy is an important part of their life. Unfortunately, no matter how many times you remind your children to brush and floss their teeth, they most likely will still get cavities. Dr. Sandler, a dentist in Encinitas, is here to offer advice on how to keep your kids cavity-free.

You should begin to promote oral hygiene before your child has any teeth. After every feeding, whether it is formula or breast milk, it is important to wipe your baby’s gums with a soft cloth. Doing so removes bacteria from their gums. Additionally, while it is a common practice to allow children to soothe themselves to sleep with a bottle at bed, the milk or juice you are giving them could expose their teeth to sugar and risk decay. If you do decide to give your child a bedtime bottle, fill it with water instead.

Of course, the best way to avoid cavities for your children is to schedule regular visits to your Carlsbad area dentist. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should have their first checkup by the time their first tooth comes in, or by their first birthday.

A healthy diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and cheese helps your child grow and promotes oral health. Similarly, getting a child into good oral hygiene habits at a young age sets them on the right path as they get older, so encourage brushing with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and flossing daily. If good habits are adhered to from the start, every visit to the La Costa dental office will be a breeze and your children may even actually look forward to going to the dentist.

Contact the staff at Solana Family Dental for more information on how to keep your children safe from tooth decay. Call (858) 345-4497 to make an appointment today.