Did you know that one of the most common childhood diseases is tooth decay? More than half of American children have had at least one cavity by age 5. And, by the time an American child is 17 years old, on average, he has had eight cavities.

The good news is that you can help your child fight tooth decay. First, you can make sure your child follows the right eating and drinking habits, to prevent sugar buildup on teeth. Then, you can help your child care for her teeth.

How Do We Get Cavities?

When we eat, bacteria and food get on our teeth. If it isn’t brushed off, it starts to form acid on teeth. Once this acid forms, it breaks down the surfaces of teeth. After a while, holes, or cavities, form. Then, the dentist has to fix it. In addition, build up of acid and bacteria over time can contribute to gum disease and cause more problems.

There are many things you can do to help your child avoid cavities and other mouth-related problems. Healthy tooth care helps. Also, drinking water with fluoride, a chemical in most areas’ drinking water, helps strengthen teeth.

Starting Out with Healthy Teeth

Every year, children’s teeth go through different stages of development. Different practices help keep their teeth healthy as they age.

Toddler/Preschoolers

Facts: Once your child has her baby teeth, you want to make sure she is keeping those teeth healthy and clean. If cavities develop, children can lose their baby teeth before their grown-up teeth come in and this can cause problems with tooth spacing.

Eating and Drinking: Your child should eat nutritious foods. It’s a good idea for children to avoid sugary and sticky foods. Sugary snacks between meals should be avoided as well.

Healthy Habits: Children should brush their teeth twice a day. They can use a soft-bristled brush with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. The reason to use such a small amount is that children often actually swallow the toothpaste – and this amount won’t hurt them.

You should take your toddler or preschooler to the dentist once every six months. Your dentist will watch out for cavities. She will also help you prevent tooth decay. For instance, if you live in an area where fluoride isn’t added to the water, she may prescribe fluoride to strengthen your child’s teeth.

Make sure you change your child’s softbristled toothbrush every 6 months. Make it fun and let your child help choose his own toothbrush.

Quick Tip: If your toddler sucks his thumb, it’s okay. Just tell your dentist if he continues to do it after age 4.

Childcareaware.org