As a parent, you want the best for your child’s health, including their dental well-being. Cavities can develop silently, leading to discomfort and the need for expensive treatments. Fortunately, there are proactive measures you can take to prevent cavities.. 

If you need to make an appointment for your child, call Hawthorne Smile Spa today at 310-982-4895. In the meantime, here are five things you can do to help your kids avoid cavities:

  • Establish a Daily Oral Hygiene Routine – Encourage your child to brush their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Supervise their brushing to ensure they’re doing it effectively. Flossing is also important. Help them learn how to floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach areas. You can make these activities more fun by letting your child pick their own supplies like brushes and paste and by rewarding them with stickers or other prizes. 
  • Schedule Regular Dental Visits – Even with excellent home care, regular dental check-ups are crucial. Schedule professional cleanings and exams every six months. Our dental team can remove plaque and tartar buildup and catch any potential issues early on. Early intervention is key to preventing more serious problems later.
  • Choose the Right Foods – Be mindful of your child’s diet, as it plays a significant role in cavity prevention. Limit sugary snacks, sodas, and acidic foods, which can contribute to tooth decay. Instead, serve fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products. Foods high in calcium, like cheese and yogurt, can help strengthen tooth enamel. 
  • Drink More Water – Keeping your child well-hydrated is essential for their overall health and oral hygiene. Encourage them to drink plenty of water, particularly fluoridated water, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Drinking water also supports saliva production, a natural defense against tooth decay. Be careful of drinks like juice, which can contain a lot of sugar. Water is the best choice for dental health.
  • Get Sealants and Fluoride Treatments – Sealants are a fantastic preventive measure. We apply these thin coatings to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to seal off grooves and crevices where food and bacteria can accumulate. Fluoride treatments strengthen your child’s tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.

When you incorporate these five simple practices into your family’s routine, you can help prevent cavities. Call Hawthorne Smile Spa at 310-982-4895 or schedule online for an appointment.