Tooth decay is always bad, but the consequences of it can seriously affect the life of a child. That’s why it’s important to prevent it. Here are a few tips on how to prevent tooth decay in children:
Keep industrialized sugar to the extreme minimum
Your kid’s sugar intake should come from natural sources, like fruit. Avoid excessive quantities of cookies, chocolate, candy, cake, marshmallows, etc. It is also important to avoid carbonated drinks, either regular or diet. These foods and liquids should rarely be allowed, perhaps only on special occasions, like birthday parties.
Teach your child basic oral hygiene as soon as possible
As soon as your child is old enough to understand it, teach him or her to brush their teeth and floss. Don’t make a big deal about it, just act like it’s a normal part of the daily routine. It is much better if you brush your own teeth along with your child, since children tend to repeat what their parents do.
Introduce your child to the dentist
When you take your child to the dentist for the first time, introduce them. Tell your child that the dentist is a friend of yours and make sure that your child meets the dentist with the mask off. The objective is to make your child feel as much as possible that the dentist is an adult that you trust and that therefore it’s safe for him to trust the dentist too.
Stay with your child when he or she receives oral care
Do not leave your child alone and wait for him or her in the waiting room. It’s important that you stay with your child in the same room and as close as possible while your child is very young. You are the greatest source of confidence for your child and he or she will certainly need you there.
Explain to your child what’s happening while it is going on. It is easy to forget how scary the instruments and sounds might be to a young child. It’s also important to reassure your child that everything is ok.
So relax and smile while you brush together. The effort you make teaching your child today can help them have healthy teeth for a lifetime.
If you are interested in pediatric dental care in Costa Rica, please fill out the “Help me Find a Dentist” form. A participating dental specialist will reply to your needs.