Keeping Children Cavity Free

As National Children’s Dental Health month comes to a close, it is important to remember that keeping your child cavity free includes many different factors.  Prevention of dental decay begins with regular check-ups with your dentist.  Routine dental exams make for healthy, beautiful smiles and good oral hygiene habits. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children see a dentist at least every six months, or more often, depending on a child's individual diet and risk. 

These visits are an important part of preventing cavities, but they improve children's oral health in many other ways as well. During routine dental check-ups, kids learn the techniques necessary for excellent lifelong oral hygiene. Parents also receive unique, tailored guidance on the best ways to improve their children's oral health through diet, at-home dental hygiene and supplements. 

Excellent oral health aims to not only improve the beauty and health of your child's smile, but of his or her whole body. This outline below offers a guideline for keeping children cavity free.

Steps toward Cavity Free Kids

1) DECAY

- Regular dental check-ups. Six month or recommended intervals

- Fix any active decay

2) DIET

- Fruit juices and wet fruits should be consumed at meal time or snack time only.

- Milk or Fluoride water in between meals only.

 - 100% juice only.  Not to exceed 4 oz. per day.  Avoid juice substitutes.

   (Kool-Aid, Sunny D, Gatorade, Hawaiian Punch)

- No carbonated beverages (pop) regular or diet, or energy drinks.

   (Monster, Rock Star, etc.)

 - Long duration or exceptionally sticky candies should be avoided.

   (Suckers, taffy, etc.)

- Choose ice cream and yogurt bars instead of Popsicle’s or fruit bars.

3) GOOD ORAL HEALTH

 - Brush at least two times daily.

 - Floss one time daily.

4) FLUORIDE

- Rinse with ACT (fluoride rinse) nightly before bedtime.  Kids must be able to rinse and spit, not swallow.

- Use fluoridated toothpaste.  Over the age of 2 years, unless otherwise advised.

- Add systemic fluoride if drinking water is not at optimal level.

5) XYLITOL

- Adults and older children >6 chew Xylitol-containing gum 3-4 times daily.  (Carefree, Koolerz)

   Xylitol needs to be one of the first three ingredients.

* Recommendations are for everyone.

Parents with children under three should follow these steps themselves.