How to Prevent Cavities in Children: 7 Everyday Habits
Cavities are among the most common childhood conditions, yet they are largely preventable. These everyday habits make the biggest difference.
Seven habits that protect your child's teeth
Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily once teeth touch.
Make water the main drink between meals, especially water with fluoride.
Limit sugary and sticky snacks and drinks, and keep them to mealtimes rather than all-day grazing.
Ask about dental sealants, thin protective coatings on the chewing surfaces of back teeth.
Ask about professional fluoride treatments, which help strengthen enamel.
Visit the dentist regularly, typically every six months or as your dentist recommends.
How sealants and fluoride help
The deep grooves in back teeth trap food and bacteria that brushing can miss. Sealants act as a smooth barrier over those grooves, while fluoride makes enamel more resistant to acid. Together they are a quick, comfortable way to lower cavity risk.
Tooth-friendly snack ideas
Cheese and plain yogurt.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables, cut to an age-appropriate size.
Water instead of juice or soda.
Schedule your child's cleaning, sealant or fluoride visit. Call our Westwood office at 310-388-3859.