Together, We Will Create a #CavityFreeND

Learn if your child is at high risk of tooth decay

Tooth decay is largely preventable, yet it’s the single most common chronic childhood disease caused by bacteria using food and drinks to create acid that damages the enamel on your child’s teeth, which causes decay overtime.

If your child has noticeable plaque accumulation, white spots, visible decalcifications, uses a sippy cup for fluids other than water, snacks frequently, or they do not have a primary pediatric dentist, they may be at risk.

How can you protect your kids’ dental health? Take the Cavity Risk Assessment to learn more about your child's risk.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

Find a dentist and schedule an appointment

By age 8, your dentist will likely continue regular visits every six months. There are pediatric dentists who specialize in birth to teen dental care, or you can schedule an appointment with a regular dentist in your area who's comfortable with providing dental care for children.

Depending on your child’s dental risk factors, exams can be more or less frequent. As permeant molars begin to erupt and take place of primary teeth, the dentist will continue to evaluate your child’s dental hygiene, monitor risk factors (if any), and provide resources as needed to prevent dental decay and other dental conditions overtime.

To find and schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist in your area, click here.

What to expect for a regular dental visit

As your child continues to adapt to their regular dental visits by age 8, we’ve put together a list of tips to keep in mind when arriving at your child's regular dental visits and what to expect.

Before the appointment, you should:

• Help your child brush their teeth
• Gather important medical information (if needed)
• Be prepared to discuss any dental concerns or changes

During the appointment, the dentist will:

• Review regular drinking and eating habits
• Evaluate oral hygiene and overall health
• Take x-rays and perform diagnostic procedures if necessary
• Assess the risk of tooth decay and other oral health conditions
• Pre-orthodontic treatment will be recommended if needed

To save these tips on what to expect for your child’s regular dental visits, click the “Complete #CavityFreeND Guide” tab.

Source: Mayco Clinic and Dental Plains

Create routine brushing habits

Need help establishing effective brushing habits for your child? Beginning with the right dental hygiene products to basic brushing habits and keeping track of your brushing schedule, check out these three quick steps to get started.

Step 1: Choose the right dental hygiene products 

Pro Tips:

• Use a toothpaste with fluoride
• Choose a manual or powered toothbrush with a large handle and soft bristles
• Select waxed floss if teeth are close together and dental tape if teeth are far apart
• Use mouthwash by age 6 only if recommended by the dentist

Step 2: Know the basic brushing habits

Pro Tips:

• Add fluoride toothpaste the size of a pea to a toothbrush (make sure your child spits out excess toothpaste)
• Change toothbrush every three months or sooner if bristles fray or your child has been sick
• Use waxed floss or dental tape to help your child floss every day
• Consider brushing and flossing as a family to model positive behavior

Step 3: Use a chart for tracking brushing routine

Pro Tips:

• Use the brushing chart below to encourage regular brushing habits
• Supervise your child up to age 8 to ensure they’re brushing correctly
• Brush twice a day for at least two minutes in a circular motion

Check out this list of ADA-approved products to choose the right dental hygiene products, and download our brushing chart here to start your child’s routine brushing habits today.

Source: Dental Health Services and Stanford Children's Health 

Diet has a direct impact on your child’s dental health

As your child continues to age, a wide variety of food and drinks will be added to their diet. That’s why it’s essential to understand the effects your child’s diet can have on their permanent teeth. A healthy diet is low in added sugar and rich in protein, dairy, grain, fruit, and vegetables.

As a quick rule of thumb, it’s best to limit:

• Sugary drinks
• Sticky candy
• Too much snacking
• Juice intake to 4-ounces per meal

To save these food and drink tips, click the “Complete #CavityFreeND Guide” tab.

Source: ADA Mouth Healthy 

Download the Complete Guide for 6 - 8 Years

Are you interested in printing this information for quick, readily available access to cavity-free tips?

To take the first steps towards developing healthy brushing habits with your child to prevent tooth decay over time, start by downloading the 6 - 8 Years Complete #CavityFreeND Guide.

Together, we will create #CavityFreeND!