How Our Houston Pediatric Dentist Patients Can Prevent Cavities

Our Houston kids dentist sees many children with cavities. Kids may be more prone to cavities because they might eat more sugary foods or because they may not have a complete grasp on dental hygiene, but there are things kids can (and should) do in order to prevent future cavities. Here is what our Houston pediatric dentist suggests parents and children do.

Understand How Prone Your Child is to Cavities

Try as you might to protect your teeth against cavities, some people are simply more prone to cavities, which may be genetic. The best way to find out if this is the case for your child is by coming in for regular Houston dental checkups twice a year. These exams help us start tracking your child’s dental health and also make better recommendations for ways to prevent cavities as efficiently as possible.

Ensure Your Child Properly Brushes Their Teeth at Least Twice a Day

One of the best and easiest ways for your child to protect their teeth from cavities and decay is by brushing their teeth in the morning and at bedtime with a fluoridated toothpaste. The amount of fluoride in toothpaste strengthens the enamel, which provides extra protection against cavities. As Houston pediatric dentists, we tell our patients that the best way to brush their teeth is by brushing them in gentle, circular motions for 30 seconds on each quadrant of the mouth. Using a fluoridated mouthwash afterward is also helpful.

Help Your Child Floss Every Night Before Bed

Flossing is an absolute necessity, but many of our patients say they don’t floss because it hurts or because it causes them to bleed. That said, flossing picks are another option. If your child bleeds while they floss, though, this may actually be a sign that they aren’t flossing enough. This is because, if your child doesn’t floss, they are letting plaque to build up in their gums, which can cause inflammation and pain. Now, if it is minimal bleeding that stops quickly, then this shouldn’t be cause for too much concern–just ensure your child keeps flossing. However, if the bleeding seems excessive and you become worried, please request an appointment as soon as possible. 

Our Houston Kids Dentist Offers Tooth-Colored Fillings For Children

If your child is experiencing a toothache, then please book an appointment with our Houston pediatric dentist so we can check for cavities. We utilize state-of-the-art composite fillings, which lasts a long time and also matches the color of your child’s tooth.