Parenting is exceptionally difficult. In addition to making sure that your child stays focused in school and makes great friends, most parents are also concerned about keeping their child strong and happy. Dental care is essential to helping your child stay confident and healthy, which is why preventing early childhood tooth decay should be on every parent’s to-do list.

That’s where Pediatric Dental Group in Honolulu, HI, comes in handy. In addition to offering preventive, general, and restorative dental services for your family, this specialty children’s dentist practice can help your kids feel right at home. Today, this dental practice explains five tips for preventing childhood cavities, and how a dentist for kids can help your child enjoy healthy, comfortable teeth.

5 Tips for Preventing Cavities in Children

1. Focus on Proper Dental Hygiene Early

One of the most important ways to help your child prevent tooth decay is to start focusing on proper dental hygiene early. When your child is an infant, wipe their gums down each day with a clean, moist washcloth to prevent bacteria buildup. When they are a toddler, brush their teeth twice a day with a dollop of toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Early habits will help your child keep their teeth cleaner, and make it easier for a dentist for kids to evaluate their smile.

2. Never Put Your Baby to Bed With a Bottle

Putting your child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice might help them to drift off to sleep faster, but it could also cause dental decay, since sugars from the liquids can bathe your child’s teeth overnight. Instead, focus on healthy nighttime habits such as giving your child a relaxing bath or reading a book together.

3. Provide Healthy Snacks

Fruits and vegetables can help your child to stay healthy and hydrated, which prevents tooth decay. Avoid sugary or starchy snacks, which can cause faster plaque accumulation.

4. Get Your Child Excited About Dental Care

To help your child get excited about dental care, let them choose their toothbrush, toothpaste, and flossing picks.  

5. Make Preventive Care Appointments

Schedule dental appointments with a children’s dentist so that your children feel welcome and comfortable at the dentist’s office. Early preventive care appointments can help your child ward off dental decay and understand the importance of oral healthcare.

Help your child maintain a beautiful smile by scheduling a dental checkup with a children’s dentist today. In addition to helping your child stay comfortable, early dental care can also help them develop good habits early so that they can protect their smile long term. To learn more about pediatric dentistry or schedule an appointment, visit Pediatric Dental Group online, or call (808) 593-8828.