There are many steps you can take to help your children avoid cavities. Developing good oral hygiene habits at home, as well as scheduling regular dental exams and professional teeth cleanings are just a few ways to help prevent tooth decay. Dr. Danielle Fernandez and Dr. Mario Martinez, the skilled pediatric dentists at South Miami Pediatric Dental Associates in South Miami, FL, provide preventive pediatric dentistry services to help your child avoid developing cavities.
Preventive Dental Care
We offer preventive pediatric dentistry at our office in South Miami, FL. preventive dental care involves being proactive about maintaining good oral health to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health concerns. Scheduling regular dental checkups provides an opportunity for your child’s pediatric dentist to identify oral health concerns early on so they can be treated promptly before more serious problems develop.
Two key aspects of preventive dental care are oral exams and professional teeth cleanings. Both of these are part of your child’s regular dental checkup and help ensure your child enjoys optimal oral health. preventive pediatric dental care can also include fluoride treatments, the application of dental sealants to the chewing surfaces of vulnerable teeth, such as molars, and other preventive measures to help your child avoid cavities.
Good Oral Hygiene Habits
You can help your children avoid developing cavities by teaching them good oral hygiene habits. Developing a daily routine for kids that includes brushing with fluoride-containing toothpaste twice a day, and flossing before bed is a great way to help them get in the habit of caring for their teeth. Younger kids often need assistance with brushing and flossing to ensure the teeth are being thoroughly cleaned. Additionally, children under the age of three years should start with fluoride-free training toothpaste.
Limit Sugar Consumption
An excellent way to prevent cavities in children is to limit their consumption of sugary foods and drinks, including fruit juices and soda. The sugars in foods and beverages mix with bacteria in the mouth to form an acid. Over time, acids in the mouth weaken and break down tooth enamel, which can leave the teeth vulnerable to decay. Limiting the sugary foods and drinks in kids’ diets can dramatically reduce their risk of developing cavities.
Helping your children avoid cavities is as simple as limiting sugar consumption, teaching them good oral hygiene habits, and scheduling regular dental visits. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fernandez and Dr. Martinez for preventive pediatric dentistry services, call South Miami Pediatric Dental Associates in South Miami, FL, at (305) 666-2068.