How Oral Hygiene Basics Can Help Prevent Cavities

The oral hygiene basics kids need to practice to keep their teeth looking clean and breath fresh will also protect their teeth from cavities. Unfortunately, cavities are common in children. However, good cleaning habits and consistency in an oral care regimen can spare teeth from the damage and decay that causes cavities to form. Here are a few key practices that can safeguard your child's oral health.

Basic daily care

Daily habits with oral care are instrumental in preventing decay. Conversely, being deficient in one or more areas of dental hygiene basics can put tooth enamel in peril.

Brushing

One of the most elementary oral hygiene basics is brushing twice a day. If your child brushes only once in the morning, the considerable amount of tartar and food buildup can do extensive damage during the day and while your child sleeps at night. It is imperative that children brush in the evening before they go to bed to remove bacteria and substances that are sugary or acidic and cause decay.

Brushing after meals is a good way for your child to step up their brushing regimen. Eliminating any food materials lingering in the mouth as soon as reasonably possible following a meal can stop the formation of bacteria before it starts.

Rinsing with fluoride

Mouthwash is not recommended for children younger than six, but for older children, it can be a beneficial addition to their oral health routine. However, not all mouthwash offers the same utility. Many contain only antiseptic agents and do not include an active ingredient with anticavity properties.

Therefore, when selecting a rinse for your child, select one that includes fluoride as an active ingredient. Rinsing with an anticavity mouthwash can help loosen plaque debris that may be inaccessible with brushing alone. Also, it administers fluoride protection to porous areas on the surface of the teeth, including the bottom surface under the gum line.

Flossing

Cavity formation often precipitates from trapped food and tartar stuck between teeth. Flossing is an effective way to address this problem. Pediatric dentists recommend flossing with your child so they can mirror your behavior. In addition, your child's dentist can suggest ways to teach your child and make it fun for them.

However, it is important you understand proper flossing techniques so you can teach them to your child. Picture the section of gum between teeth like a triangle pointing upward. Flossing enables one to thoroughly clean the area between each side of the triangle and the tooth next to either side. While flossing, be sure to cover both sides of the gum between the teeth. Failing to take this step when flossing may leave plaque behind that can cause cavities and gum issues.

Regular dental cleanings

A professional cleaning at least twice a year is crucial in preventing cavities. Children should start seeing a dentist within six months of the eruption of their first tooth or by the time they turn one year old. Your child's dentist can help them get excited about dental health and teach them important oral hygiene basics to help prevent cavities.

In addition, professional cleanings are necessary for removing the built-up calculus on your child's teeth. Regular brushing typically leaves calculus behind, and the buildup can cause tartar to adhere more strongly to teeth by giving it a rough surface to hang on to.