How to prevent tooth decay from spreading to your child?

 

ALPHARETTA, GA Is tooth decay contagious? Believe it or not, it's up to you. In fact, the better your self-cleaning is, the better your child's teeth will be. 

As parents, we unknowingly pass bacteria on to our children when we share drinks, food, kitchen utensils, and even kisses with them. 

That's not to say we shouldn't kiss our kids every now and then, but we do need to make sure we're not passing harmful bacteria to them that can and will

cause them to get cavities. 

Newborns are born without the presence of harmful bacteria in their mouths, but that quickly changes once they start teething. 

Families unknowingly pass on some germs that carry a disease known as tooth decay, and unfortunately this can cause lifelong problems for some people. Tooth decay is also formed by another type of bacteria, mutated streptococcus, which feed on sugar, which will eventually lead to plaque and tooth decay.

Once plaque begins to form, tooth decay quickly sets in. Today, more and more children are suffering from tooth decay at an alarming rate for many reasons. 

According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), about 40% of children between the ages of 2 and 5 have tooth decay. 

This is surprising news, but the good news is that tooth decay in children can easily be prevented. Asking your child's dentist what to do is the best way to start.

Here are the best ways to prevent bacteria from spreading through your baby's mouth and causing tooth decay:

Hold your hand to yourself!
Children's hands naturally draw towards their mouths and anything around them, such as yours, the mouths of their siblings, playmates or parents, where germs are passed on. 

an endless cycle. When it comes to oral hygiene, sharing doesn't necessarily matter. Teach your child to be careful with the foods and drinks he shares with friends. Make it a habit to wash your hands after playing and eating to avoid germs.

Eliminate bacteria
The best way to help prevent tooth decay in children is to start good oral hygiene even before your baby's first tooth emerges by gently wiping the gums with a clean cloth after each feed or meal to help prevent tooth decay. Prevents the growth of bacteria and dental plaque.

When teeth begin to erupt, you can simply wipe them with gauze or a clean towel after a meal. 

When they are old enough to socialize with you, around age 3, you can start teaching them to use a brush and a very small amount of toothpaste. In general, children should not be allowed to use toothpaste until they have been taught not to swallow toothpaste and spit it out while brushing. 

However, you can start with a toothbrush specifically designed for children and simply use water instead of toothpaste until they learn not to swallow it. 

If in doubt, you can always ask your child's dentist about appropriate dental procedures for children and the age to start brushing your child's teeth. 

Teaching children to take care of their teeth at an early age will help keep bacteria from growing to prevent unwanted tooth decay.

Visit the dentist regularly
A good rule of thumb is to find a pediatric dentist as soon as your child is one year old and start familiarizing your child with common pediatric dental procedures such as checkups and in-office visits from a pediatric dentist. and its staff. 

Children's dental facilities like Polkadot Pediatric Dentistry in Alpharetta, Georgia are experts in making babies and young children feel comfortable and relaxed.

Your dentist will be sure to inform you that children's oral hygiene begins with taking care of your child's teeth and gums the same way you would do it yourself. 

Take the time to clean your gums or brush your teeth at least twice a day; Limiting sugary snacks and eating healthy foods will help reduce the development of plaque and tooth decay in children.

As tempting as it may seem, try not to share cups, kitchen utensils or toothbrushes with children; everyone should have their own. By practicing good oral hygiene yourself and teaching the rest of the family to participate, you will ensure that your child's teeth get a good start, early in life.