Visit Chennai's Best Pediatric Dentist to Prevent Cavities Preventing Cavities: Daily Habits Every Parent Should Know Cavities are one of the most common dental problems in children, but the good news is they are completely preventable! With the right daily habits, you can help keep your child’s teeth healthy and cavity-free. Here’s what you need to know: 1. Start Brushing Early & The Right Way ✔ Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears using a soft-bristled toothbrush. ✔ Use a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3 and a pea-sized amount for kids 3 and above. ✔ Brush twice a day for at least two minutes—morning and night. 💡 Pro Tip: Make brushing fun with colorful toothbrushes, timers, or brushing songs! 2. Don’t Skip Flossing! ✔ As soon as two teeth touch, start flossing daily to remove food and plaque buildup. ✔ Flossing prevents cavities between teeth, which brushing alone can’t reach. ✔ Use kid-friendly flossers for an easier experience. 💡 Tip: If your child struggles with flossing, try flavored floss or make it a fun family activity. 3. Limit Sugary & Sticky Foods ✔ Avoid: Candies, sodas, fruit juices, sticky gummies, and processed snacks. ✔ Choose: Crunchy fruits (apples, pears), cheese, nuts, and yogurt, which help protect teeth. 💡 Why? Sugar feeds bacteria that cause cavities. Even “healthy” juices can be high in sugar and lead to tooth decay. 4. Drink More Water ✔ Water washes away food particles and bacteria. ✔ Fluoridated water strengthens enamel and prevents cavities. ✔ Avoid sugary drinks, especially before bedtime. 💡 Rule: Make water the go-to drink after meals instead of juices or flavored milk. 5. Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups ✔ Visit a pediatric dentist every 6 months for check-ups and cleanings. ✔ Early detection of cavities can prevent painful treatments later. ✔ Ask about fluoride treatments & dental sealants, which provide extra protection. 💡 Tip: Make dental visits positive by rewarding your child with a fun experience afterward! 6. Watch Out for Hidden Sugar & Nighttime Feeding ✔ Avoid putting babies to bed with milk or juice—this leads to “baby bottle tooth decay”. ✔ Read food labels—many snacks marketed as “healthy” contain hidden sugars. 💡 Tip: If nighttime feeding is necessary, rinse your child’s mouth with plain water afterward. 7. Set a Good Example ✔ Kids copy parents—make sure they see you brushing, flossing, and making healthy choices. ✔ Turn oral hygiene into a family routine so it becomes second nature. Cavity Prevention Starts at Home! Good oral habits from an early age set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. By making small daily changes, you can protect your child’s teeth and keep cavities away! Visit *Vittals Pediatric Dentistry* for personalised cavity prevention tips and check-ups. Call us at 9884282656 to book your appointment today!