Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County I & II
Commack (631) 486-6364
Medford (631) 320-0880
By definition, tooth decay is the damage that occurs to your teeth when germs and bacteria produce acid. Such acid ultimately eats away at your teeth, and is a leading cause of those pesky holes known as cavities.
While teaching children the proper brushing techniques is a great way to help prevent tooth decay, it’s also important for parents to be pro-active even before their children develop teeth in order to lessen the amount of bacteria they are exposed to at an early age. The following are a few tips you can use to prevent tooth decay in your children:
- Although it’s not unusual for parents to pre-chew food for their babies or share silver ware when feeding, by doing so, you promote the exchange of saliva between parent and child. Avoid this practice as much as possible to prevent germs from entering your child's mouth.
- If your child is using a pacifier, always give them one that has been cleaned thoroughly. This means you shouldn't dip the pacifier in anything but water!
- Introduce healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables to your children as soon as they are old enough to eat them. It’s best to practice healthy habits early to lessen the amount of sweets and junk foods they will crave later.
- Assist your children in brushing their teeth until they are able to do so on their own. Even when you feel that your child is capable of getting the job done, supervise for a bit longer to make sure that they brush and rinse thoroughly.
Lastly, one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay in children is by visiting the dentist regularly! To receive the best care, it is recommended that parents take children for their first visit by the time he or she celebrates their first birthday.
At Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County, our emphasis is total preventive care, which is why we educate our patients and their parents to ensure that good habits are practiced at home. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (631) 486-6364 for our Commack office or (631) 320-0880 for our Medford office!