To protect little teeth from cavities, focus on good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits. Start brushing as soon as teeth appear, use fluoride toothpaste, floss daily after age 2, and limit sugary snacks. Consult your dentist about sealants and fluoride treatments.
Detailed steps:
- Start Brushing Early: Begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they appear, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Proper Brushing Technique: For children under 3, use a grain-of-rice-sized amount of toothpaste, and after age 3, a pea-sized amount. Supervise your child’s brushing until they can do it effectively themselves.
- Flossing: Start flossing daily after age 2.
- Healthy Diet: Limit sugary, sticky, and starchy snacks and drinks.
- Avoid Bottle at Bedtime: If your child uses a bottle, fill it with water, not juice or formula, especially at bedtime.
- Regular Dental Visits: Schedule routine dental checkups and cleanings every 6 months.
- Consider Sealants and Fluoride: Discuss dental sealants and fluoride treatments with your dentist to protect teeth from decay.
- Prevent Bacterial Transfer: Avoid sharing eating utensils and don’t clean your child’s pacifier with your saliva.
- Hydrate: Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day.
- Diet: Include foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as yogurt and milk, which can help strengthen tooth enamel.
- Avoid Snacking and Sipping: Limit snacking and sipping on sugary drinks frequently.
- Healthy Snacks: Choose healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
