Caring for your child’s oral health begins in infancy and early childhood. Dental care habits formed during the first few years lay the groundwork for good oral maintenance as young ones grow older. Teaching your children to brush after meals, floss daily, and visit the dentist twice a year can help to protect their mouths against cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. But do you ever wonder if there is more you can do?

Below, Oahu Dental Care, a dentist and orthodontist’s office with locations in Pearl City and Honolulu, HI, shares some tips on caring for your child’s mouth.

3 Pointers for Better Oral Health in Children

1. Avoid Sugary Foods & Beverages

Sugar is one of the leading causes of tooth decay and cavities in children. To prevent your children from developing cavities, limit their consumption of sugary treats and soft drinks to special occasions. This also includes fruit juices, as the natural sugars and acids in fruits can wear down tooth enamel.

2. Limit Snacks Between Meals

Every time your child eats foods or drinks beverages that contain sugar and starches, the bacteria in their mouth breaks down the sugars and creates acids. These acids wear away at the enamel of the teeth, leading to cavities and other forms of tooth decay. Saliva creates a natural barrier against the acids between meals, so limit snacks to let it do its work.

3. Have Children Brush Daily With Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride is one of the best forms of defense against tooth decay and cavities. It can slow the breakdown of enamel while simultaneously helping to speed up the remineralization of enamel in teeth. Fluoride is a common ingredient in toothpaste and mouth wash, and most forms of tap water are fluoridated. If your child’s dentist feels that your child is at risk of developing cavities, they may apply fluoride to your child’s mouth.

Call (808) 456-5005 to schedule a dentist appointment for your child or yourself with Oahu Dental Care. To learn more about the services they provide, including cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening, visit the Oahu Dental Care website today.