7 Ways to Prevent Cavities in Children, Also Know the Causes

Kapanlagi.com - Cavities are a common oral health problem experienced by many people. Cavities should not be taken lightly as they can cause toothaches. Preventing cavities should be done as early as possible. But how can we prevent cavities in children?

In fact, there are several things that can be done to prevent cavities in children. However, before knowing these methods, it is important to understand the factors that can cause cavities.

Children are highly susceptible to cavities because they do not have enough awareness to maintain dental and oral hygiene. In addition, children also enjoy consuming sweet foods such as cakes and candies. The remnants of sweet food are what can threaten health and cause cavities in teeth.

But don't worry, you parents can follow several ways to prevent cavities in children below, which are summarized from various sources.

1. Avoid Foods and Drinks that Cause Cavities

How to prevent cavities in children (credit: pixabay)

The first way to prevent cavities in children is by avoiding the types of foods that trigger them. As mentioned earlier, cavities are caused in part by consuming sweet and starchy foods, such as candy, cakes, chips, and so on.

Various types of foods that should be avoided include candy, chips, and soda. If it cannot be avoided, at least teach children to minimize their consumption of these types of foods and drinks.

2. Getting Used to Brushing Teeth

How to prevent cavities in children (credit: pixabay)

In addition to certain food consumption, cavities can also be caused by not maintaining dental and oral hygiene. Therefore, to prevent children's teeth from getting cavities and to keep them healthy, teach children how to brush their teeth correctly as early as possible. Not just teaching, but also train children to make brushing teeth a habit.

In one day, it is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice. There are several things to consider when brushing teeth, including brushing in small circular motions on every front, back, top, and bottom side. Use a soft toothbrush that fits the size of the mouth. In addition, brush gently and do not rush.

3. Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Not just brushing teeth, you should also pay attention to the type of toothpaste your child uses. Currently, there are many types of toothpaste specifically for children with a fruity flavor. Don't just choose based on brand or flavor. Parents should make sure that the toothpaste used contains fluoride.

Quoted from kidshealth.org, the fluoride content in toothpaste will function to strengthen the tooth enamel. As a result, the tooth enamel will be stronger and less likely to have cavities and decay. That's why paying attention to the type of toothpaste is one of the important ways to prevent cavities in children.

4. Clean Between Teeth

How to prevent cavities in children (credit: pixabay)

Not only brushing teeth twice a day, it is also good for parents to encourage their children to floss. Flossing or cleaning between teeth with special floss will make the teeth cleaner. Flossing can remove leftover food debris between teeth.

By doing so, the spaces between teeth will be clean and cavity-free. However, it is important to note that flossing should not be done carelessly. To do it, use clean, special floss.

5. Drink Enough Water

The next way to prevent cavities in children is by drinking enough water. Yes, who would have thought that drinking enough water can also be beneficial for dental health. As reported by mainstreetsmiles.com, the water we drink every day can actually clean the mouth from the buildup of acid and bacteria that cause cavities.

6. Consuming Cheese and Nuts

If sweet foods and sodas should be avoided to keep teeth strong, then cheese and nuts are the opposite. Cheese and nuts are believed to strengthen teeth and make them less prone to cavities. This is because cheese contains calcium which is good for dental health and strength.

In addition, as reported by mainstreetsmiles.com, cheese and nuts have anti-acid properties and can help with the tooth remineralization process. Therefore, consuming cheese and nuts can be one way to prevent cavities in children as early as possible.

7. Routine Dental Check-up

Ways to prevent cavities in children (credit: pixabay)

The seventh way to prevent cavities in children is by routinely checking their dental health with a dentist. Dental check-ups for children should ideally be done every 3 months. However, this will greatly depend on the child's dental health condition.

During your child's dental check-up, you can also request the application of resin sealants on their teeth. This is because resin sealants have been proven effective in strengthening the tooth enamel, making it strong and resistant to cavities.

So those are 7 ways to prevent cavities in children. You can follow the above methods to ensure that your child's teeth and mouth are healthier, less prone to decay, and less likely to experience toothaches in adulthood.

(kpl/psp)