Do
I Have Any Control Over Whether My Child Gets a Cavity?

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease? The preventable condition is two to three times more common than obesity or childhood asthma. At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we are proponents of prevention to maintain healthy smiles. We are dedicated to working alongside families in Phoenix, AZ, and the surrounding communities to help put a stop to childhood cavities.

Do You Have Control Over Whether Your Child Develops a Cavity?

Many adults are unaware that tooth decay and cavities in children are preventable. The battle against cavity-causing bacteria starts before your child’s first tooth erupts, long before your little one begins school. Caring for your little one’s smile right from the start will put your child on a lifelong path of oral health.

Healthy Habits for Healthy Smiles

Here are some ways you can lower the risk of childhood cavities and ensure your child maintains a healthy, pain-free smile:

Take Care of Your Oral Health: The first step in ensuring your child maintains a healthy smile is to take care of your own oral health. Make sure to brush and floss regularly and to keep up with your routine dental care. Poor oral hygiene can reflect on your little one because harmful oral bacteria are easily transmitted from a parent to a child.

Establish a Dental Home: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends seeing a pediatric dentist when your little one’s first baby tooth appears and no later than the first birthday. From that point on, most children require twice-a-year dental visits to maintain healthy smiles. Establishing a dental home right from the start will help keep tooth decay and cavities at bay and ensure your child’s development is on track.

Early Oral Hygiene Care: Caring for your child’s smile starts at birth. After feeding, gently wipe your baby’s gums and teeth with a damp washcloth. When the first baby tooth comes in, brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. From ages 2-5, brush with a pea-sized amount of ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. It is also important to floss as soon as two teeth touch. Help with brushing and flossing until you are confident your child can do so independently.

Limit Sweet Drinks: Early childhood decay is an aggressive form of decay among young children. It often results from prolonged exposure to liquids containing sugars, including formula, juices, and sweetened drinks. Make sure your child never falls asleep while sipping on anything other than water to lower the risk of early childhood decay, otherwise known as “baby bottle tooth decay.” We also recommend transitioning your baby from a bottle to a sippy cup by the first birthday.

Maintain a Healthy, Balanced Diet: Ensure your child consumes a healthy, balanced diet, and limit sugary foods and candies. That way, your child has the nutrients needed to keep the teeth and gums healthy without sugary treats wreaking havoc on their smiles.

Seek Prompt Care: Aside from your child’s twice-yearly visits to the dentist, make sure to contact your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry if you have any concerns about your child’s oral health. Early detection and treatment will ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and free of disease.

Quality Pediatric Dental Care Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about the prevention of tooth decay and cavities. We look forward to working alongside you to set the foundation for healthy smiles for life. Call us and schedule your appointment today.