As a parent, keeping your child safe and healthy is one of your most important goals. We want to help, so we created this guide on preventing cavities!
Cavities (also called caries or tooth decay) in children are caused by the exact same things that cause cavities in adults: Bacteria. These bacteria digest the sugars from foods and drinks that we eat; they then secrete acid that attacks teeth, creating holes. Those holes are cavities.
Bacteria don’t discriminate between adult teeth and baby teeth; neither do cavities. Children can get cavities at almost any age - if they have teeth, they can get tooth decay.
Spotting the early signs of tooth decay can help you protect your child’s oral health. Cavities that form from ages 0 and 6 are known as Early Childhood Tooth Decay (ECTD). This condition is sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay.
To spot the early warning signs of ECTD, lift your child’s upper lip once a month. Look at their top teeth:
One of the best ways to spot cavities early is to bring your child to the dentist regularly. The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends bringing your child to the dentist for their first visit within 6 months of their first tooth erupting or by their first birthday.
Visiting the dentist with your child every 6 months after your first visit will help ensure they do not develop cavities, and your dentist will be able to spot the early warning signs if cavities do emerge.
The techniques you should use to brush your child’s teeth will change based on your child’s age.
For kids 0 to 6 months: Use a clean, soft, moist cloth wrapped around your index finger. Wipe your child’s gums, starting at the back and making your way to the front. Once your child’s first tooth emerges, use a soft, wet toothbrush (without toothpaste).
For kids 6 months to 3 years old: Brush your child’s teeth, tongue, and gums twice a day, for 2 minutes each time. At first, you should avoid using fluoridated toothpaste; it’s important to prevent your child from swallowing fluoride at this age. Stay in contact with your dentist; they’ll tell you when you can start using fluoridated toothpaste.
For kids 3 to 6 years old: Children start to be able to brush their own teeth around this age; you can also start using fluoride toothpaste. Keep brushing your child’s teeth until you’re confident they can brush their own. Once they can, brush your teeth at the same time as your child to make it a routine; teach them to spit out their toothpaste so they don’t swallow fluoride.
For kids 7 to 12: At this age, kids can brush their own teeth; it’s also around the age they’ll start getting their permanent teeth. Gentle reminders to brush their teeth will help them keep their routine - so will 2-minute timers, or toothbrushes equipped with their own timers.
You should start flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have teeth that are adjacent to one another; it’s the best way to prevent cavities in hard-to-reach areas. At around the age of 9, children are able to floss on their own; take the time to teach them good flossing techniques, and set an example by flossing your own teeth daily!
Making brushing fun and making brushing consistent can be one and the same! You want your child to brush twice a day for 2 minutes each time. Here are a few ways you can do it:
Overly sugary, acidic, and hard foods can all wreak havoc on teeth. All kinds of foods can cause cavities, including:
We’re not saying that you should avoid all of these foods all of the time - even dentists enjoy candies - but they should be occasional treats, not dietary staples. If you serve your kids sweets, do it at meal time (for dessert); they’ll have more saliva in their mouths, which aids in the digestion of sugars.
There are all kinds of healthy snacks you can give your kids - and kids love snacks! Here are a few recommendations:
After your child’s first tooth emerges, visit the dentist with them every 6 months! Eventually, they may need fewer dental check-ups - some kids only need to visit a dental clinic once a year. Your child’s dentist and dental hygienist will help you determine how often you need to visit. Regular check-ups and teeth cleanings help prevent cavities and other oral health problems!
Fluoride helps to remineralize the teeth - this means that it helps rebuild the tooth’s enamel layer, literally reversing the earliest stages of tooth decay. The fluoride used in toothpaste is an excellent tool for preventive care, while the fluoride applied at the dentist’s office is more concentrated, helping boost the remineralization process.
A lot of kids try hard to brush their teeth properly - but just like adults, their techniques might not always be the most refined. Dental sealants protect your child’s back teeth from tooth decay, coating the grooves in the premolars and molars to prevent bacteria from reaching the tooth. Ask us about dental sealants!
A good oral health care routine sets your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles; it’s also a great way to spend quality time together. Set aside 10 minutes each day to brush your own teeth and your child’s teeth (5 minutes in the morning, 5 minutes at night) - it’s an activity you’ll soon grow fond of doing together.
If you see signs of tooth decay or your child is complaining of tooth pain, you should contact your dentist right away. You should also be making appointments with your own dentist every 6 months!
In Manitoba, children under 3 get their first dental visit for free.
Looking for a kids dentist in Winnipeg? Our pediatric dentists will take excellent care of your child’s dental health in a warm, friendly environment. Book an appointment with us!