What to Do When You Find out Your Child Has Cavities

When parents take their children to the dentist and discover they have cavities, it quite often sends them into despair. If this has happened to you, you might feel like an awful parent. You need to thrust that feeling aside as quickly as possible. The important thing to do when you find out that your child has cavities is to find ways to prevent them in the future. Here are five things you should do when you find out your child has cavities.

Make Sure They Brush Twice a Day

One of the biggest mistakes that parents make is thinking that their children will brush just because they ask them to. If your children are getting cavities, they are most likely not brushing as often as they should or as well as they should. You need to show your kids how to brush and watch them do it.

Stop Giving Them Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks are one of the leading causes of tooth decay. It is best if children are not given soda at all. It is also important to avoid juices that have sugar added to them. Give your kids sugar-free beverages as often as possible. Water and milk are the best drinks that you can give your kids.

Let Your Child Pick Their Own Toothpaste and Toothbrush

If you find yourself often battling with your children to get them to brush, one of the best things you can do is to let them pick their own toothpaste. There are lots of toothbrushes and toothpastes aimed at kids with popular cartoon characters on them. If you let them pick out toothbrushes and toothpastes that are fun, kids will be eager to brush with them.

Use a Motivational Tool

Another technique you can use to encourage kids to brush is to reward them after they brush. Set up a brushing chart in their bathroom or their room to keep track of their brushing. Every time they brush without complaint, reward them with a sticker to keep them motivated.

Recommit to Dental Checkups

After your child has a cavity, it is more important than ever to schedule regular checkups with the dentist. Seeing the dentist regularly can help to prevent cavities in the future. Talk with a dentist, like those from Abbott Family Dentistry, LLC who have a lot of experience working with children. Ask them about how often you should schedule appointments for your kids.

There is no need to feel bad or panic when your child has cavities. Keep in mind that they are baby teeth. If you commit now to getting them on a good oral hygiene routine, you will help ensure that your kids avoid cavities when their permanent teeth come in.