Preventing Cavities in Kids: Tips from Stauffer Family Dental

At Stauffer Family Dental, a common concern we hear from parents is how to prevent cavities in their children. Cavities are one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in children, but the good news is they are largely preventable!

Why Do Cavities Form?

Cavities are caused by bacteria that feed on sugars left behind on the teeth. These bacteria produce acid that breaks down the enamel (the protective outer layer of the tooth). Once enamel is weakened, cavities can develop quickly, especially in young children whose teeth are still developing.

1. Establish a Brushing Routine Early

Start brushing as soon as that first baby tooth appears! Use a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for infants and a pea-sized amount for children aged 3+. Help them brush twice a day for two full minutes, especially before bedtime. Never lay your child down to sleep with a bottle. Milk or formula can pool in the mouth overnight, resting on their teeth and leading to early childhood cavities.

2. Don’t Forget to Floss

Even young children can get cavities between their teeth. Once your child has two teeth that touch, it’s time to start flossing. Its also a great habit to establish at a young age. Floss picks are a great option for your little ones to make it easier and more kid-friendly.

3. Watch the Sugar

Limit sticky snacks like fruit snacks, gummy candies, and raisins. These tend to stick to teeth and feed cavity-causing bacteria. Even gummy vitamins can stick to the grooves of the teeth! Have your child take their vitamins while eating breakfast and don’t forget to have them brush their teeth afterwards. Limit snacks like goldfish and crackers which contain refined carbohydrates. These carbohydrates break down into sugar which fuel bacteria responsible for tooth decay.  And lastly, encourage water instead of sugary drinks like juice—fluoridated tap water is especially helpful in strengthening enamel.

4. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

We recommend children see a dentist starting around age three or even sooner if you have any dental concerns for your child. Routine checkups every six months allow us to catch small issues before they become big problems, and to apply preventive fluoride treatments or sealants when needed.

5. Dental Sealants for Extra Protection

Sealants are a quick, painless way to protect the grooves of your child’s molars where cavities often start. They act as a barrier and can reduce the risk of cavities by up to 80% in those hard-to-brush areas.

Let’s work together to prevent cavities in your little ones!

Preventing cavities isn’t just about brushing, it’s about building healthy habits early. At Stauffer Family Dental, we’re here to help guide your family every step of the way. Have questions or ready to schedule your child’s next visit? You can schedule an appointment online or call us at 614-882-2249.