For years you have probably heard that sugar can lead to cavities. While this may be true, it might not mean that you need to feel extremely guilty if your child has a sweet tooth and gives in to a treat every now and then. Even if your child has some sugary snacks more frequently than the average person, there are a few things they can do to help prevent cavities from invading their smile.
The first suggestion we have is to have your child brush their teeth often. While this may not be surprising, we have some recommendations which might surprise you! First, we encourage your child to carry a portable or disposable toothbrush with them wherever they go during the day. This way they can quickly visit a restroom after eating a dessert to clean their teeth. Of course, if they eat a lot of sweets they are at higher risk for plaque buildup than the average person. To help keep their smile healthy, they also need to change their toothbrush regularly. Continuing to brush with a toothbrush that has worn down bristles which have lost their shape is ineffective.
If they can’t carry a toothbrush with them during the day or don’t have access to one, they can rinse with a mouthwash to help rid their mouth of sugars and sticky residue after eating. Fluoridated mouthwashes are ideal, but if none are available, they can also rinse their mouth with water. In addition to rinsing, chewing a sugar-free gum can help clean their teeth by increasing saliva production which naturally cleans the mouth. They could also choose less sugary options – like a slice of pound cake over sticky caramels – for example.
Preventing cavities can be as simple as keeping sugars from lingering on the teeth. If your child struggles with a sweet tooth, be sure to bring them in for routine dental cleanings and checkups to prevent and treat decay early when it is least invasive and costly to resolve.
At Sugarbug Dental & Orthodontics, Dr. Armand Begian and our caring team offer dental sealants and fluoride treatments to prevent cavities from gaining a foothold. If your child already has severe decay, we offer a pulpotomy, or baby root canal, to save primary teeth. If you would like to know more about preventing cavities in Oxnard, California, you are welcome to schedule a consultation for your child by calling (805) 985-2400 today.