Providing Your Child with a Cavity-Free Childhood in Delaware, Ohio!

The most common childhood disease is tooth decay, and the CDC has discovered that around 20% of childhood cavities aren’t even treated. This is a scary statistic and it saddens all of us here at Little Smiles of Delaware. This is because childhood cavities are almost entirely preventable!

Preventing Dental Cavities

Below are a few ways for parents to make sure that their children experience a childhood free from tooth decay and dental cavities:

1. Find A Pediatric Dentist by Your Child’s First Birthday – The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends that you find a dentist for your child by their first birthday or the eruption of their first tooth, whichever comes first. Sadly, we don’t see many children for the first time until there’s already a problem with his or her teeth.
2. Start Oral Hygiene Early – Even before your child’s first tooth appears you can start caring for their gums. Use a damp cloth or a finger brush to wipe your baby’s gums clean, preventing bacteria buildup and protecting the emerging teeth.
3. Never Put Your Child to Bed with Milk or Juice – “Bottle rot” is the term used for the type of dental decay that occurs when children are routinely put to bed with anything other than water. Other liquids, like milk or sugary juice, will coat your child’s teeth for the entire time they’re asleep, allowing more damage to occur.
4. Consider Sealants for Your Child – Sealants are very effective, and rarely utilized. Sealants are a thin plastic coating applied directly to your child’s tooth enamel. They help to seal all the hard-to-reach places on your child’s vulnerable teeth. Sealants are inexpensive and involve zero discomforts for your child.
5. Set a Good Example – Modeling good dental habits for your child can help them stay cavity-free. Children practice what they see, so make brushing a family activity! Brush your teeth together and allow your children to watch you brush and floss your own teeth daily.

We want your kids to have healthy, beautiful smiles! Bringing them to our office by their first tooth or their first birthday can help us, and you, build a foundation of good oral hygiene! To make an appointment, please contact Little Smiles of Delaware. Our children’s dental office is located in Delaware, Ohio.