Raising a daughter or son means taking on many responsibilities, including caring for your child’s oral health. However, many parents make mistakes in this area, leading to expensive dental care bills, cavities, and tooth pain. Here’s how to avoid these mistakes and keep your child’s smile healthy and bright. 

A Guide to Common Dental Mistakes That Lead to Cavities in Kids

1. Not Seeing the Dentist Soon Enough

By two or three, it’s common for kids to have serious dental issues, especially if they’ve never visited a dentist. Teeth begin growing while a baby is in the womb, so a dental professional should examine your little one by the time they’re half a year old. During the first appointment, they’ll ask about the mother’s dental history, as it can play a role in the baby’s risk of developing oral health issues. After the first visit, take your child to a dental office twice a year. This will protect their teeth and help them become comfortable with visiting the dentist.  

2. Not Supervising the Brushing Process

Your child may understand the importance of brushing, but they may not be physically capable of cleaning their teeth effectively. Kids don’t have the proper motor skills to brush correctly until they’re around eight, so parents should watch them carefully to ensure they clean each tooth. Also, keep in mind that they should brush for around two minutes. Don’t be afraid to make teeth cleaning fun by rewarding them with prizes, putting on music while they brush, and turning the process into a game.    

3. Giving Them Sugary Snacks & Drinks

While some parents limit soda, many don’t realize that sports drinks and juices contain citric acid. This will eat away at your child’s enamel, leading to tooth decay and cavities. Instead, give them milk, which contains teeth-healthy elements, such as calcium and vitamin D. Additionally, be careful when giving them sugary snack options—like dried fruit—or starchy foods, such as oatmeal and pasta, which convert to sugar. Finally, many child-friendly vitamins can erode their teeth, so make sure they brush or swish around water after having them. 

When you need a pediatric dentist for your child, contact Pedodontic Associates. Serving Oahu and Maui, HI, they have over 25 years of experience working with patients. They’ll help protect your child’s teeth, treat cavities, and teach them to brush and floss properly. To make an appointment, call (808) 735-1733 for the Honolulu location, (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, and (808) 877-0066 for Kahului. Visit their website to learn more about their dental care services.