As parents, we all want the best for our children, and that includes a healthy, happy smile. Cavities, also known as tooth decay, are one of the most common childhood diseases, but they're also largely preventable. At Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers, we believe in empowering parents with the knowledge and tools to protect their children's oral health. Here are three simple yet effective ways to help prevent cavities in your little ones.
Brushing with Fluoride Toothpaste
Brushing is the cornerstone of good oral hygiene. Our team of Specialist Pediatric Dentists supports the recommendations of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. We recommend brushing your child’s teeth twice a day using an age-appropriate soft toothbrush for two minutes each time—once in the morning and once before bed.
Supervise your child’s brushing until they have developed good dexterity, typically around age 7 or 8. A good rule of thumb is when they can tie their own shoelaces, indicating they have the necessary fine motor skills to brush effectively.
Remember, it's not just how you brush, it's what you brush with. Using fluoride toothpaste is crucial. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria that cause cavities.
- For children under 3: Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).
- For children 3–6: Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Bonus Tip
Use plaque disclosing tablets to encourage your child to brush properly and effectively. These tablets are available at local pharmacies.
After brushing, have your child chew on the tablet for a few seconds until it dissolves, then rinse their mouth with water. The remaining plaque will be stained pink or purple, making it easy to identify areas that need more attention during brushing.
The image on the right shows parts of the teeth where plaque was not removed properly.
Maintain Healthy Eating Habits
Your child's diet plays a significant role in their oral health. Frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks creates an ideal environment for cavity-causing bacteria. Therefore, making small changes to their diet can have a big impact on their oral health.
- Limit sugary snacks: Offer healthy alternatives like fruits, vegetables, cheese, and plain yogurt.
- Avoid sticky food: Toffee, caramel, chewy candies and treats tend to cling to teeth and are difficult to remove providing a longer exposure to sugars.
- Encourage water consumption: Water helps wash away food particles and keeps the mouth hydrated.
- Limit consumption of fruit juice: Frequent and prolonged consumption of fruit juices increases a child’s risk for cavities and erosion.
- Do not put your baby to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice: Having your little one sleep with a bottle filled with anything other than water creates a sugar bath for their teeth, increasing the risk of cavities.
Regular Dental Checkups
Regular checkup and hygiene visits are essential for prevention and early detection of dental problems. Every child should have their first dental visit as soon as their first tooth is out and no later than their first birthday. At these visits, we can:
- Professionally clean your child’s teeth: Removing plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing alone may miss.
- Apply fluoride varnish: Providing an extra layer of protection against cavities.
- Educate you and your child on proper oral hygiene practices: Tailored advice for your child’s specific needs.
- Detect early signs of decay: Allowing for prompt treatment and preventing more extensive problems.
- Advice on oral habits: We will guide you on how to wean your child from pacifier or thumb sucking and provide advice on tongue thrusting and mouth breathing which can affect a child's jaw development.
At Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers, we’re committed to partnering with you in this journey. If you’re new to Dubai or are seeking a dental home for your little one, please give us a call at 04 394 7777. Our multispeciality clinics are conveniently located in Jumeirah, The Springs Souk, Marina Walk, and Uptown Mirdif.
