Dental chips are common with children, and can happen in both milk and permanent teeth. They’re especially common in teeth with weakened enamel. While pediatric dentists repair chips when they occur, there are some ways you can decrease the risk of damage. 

How to Protect Your Children’s Teeth

1. Get Dental Sealants

Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, helps prevent cavities and chips by fortifying teeth enamel. Fluoride toothpaste delivers this mineral, but you can also have it applied to your children’s teeth for extra protection. Dental sealants prevent 80% of cavities for two years.

2. Create Custom Mouthguards

Talk to your pediatric dentist about custom mouthguards if your children play sports. Custom guards are made to fit each child’s mouth. They protect the teeth in case your little ones fall or get hit during playtime.

3. Discourage Bad Habits

Chewing ice, pencils, and other non-food items can cause dental damage. Using teeth to open packaging also increases the risk. Sugar contains acids that weaken enamel, so only give children the equivalent of six teaspoons a day. If your kids are prone to chips, cut up hard foods, including apples, into bite-sized pieces.

4. Encourage Oral Hygiene

Brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing daily keeps bacteria and plaque from weakening teeth enamel. Check that your children follow through with oral hygiene before bed and in the morning. Scheduling biannual dental cleanings with a pediatric dentist to remove plaque and tartar will also strengthen enamel.

Help your children develop healthy oral hygiene habits with services from Pediatric Dentistry of Onalaska, LLC. Serving Onalaska, WI, and the Tri-State Area, their pediatric dentists provide sealants and professional cleanings to prevent cavities and dental chips. They’re members of the American Dental Association. Call (608) 781-9114 to discuss your family’s needs, or visit them online to learn more about sealants.