Dr. Marcela Mujica

Charlotte Dentist Gives Tips for Preventing Cavities

October 30th, 2015

Seeing your child smile makes your day -- and you know what? It makes our day, too. That’s why All Kids Pediatric Dentistry is your trusted Charlotte dentist. Dr. Marcela Mujica, D.M.D, M.S.D. and her whole team want to keep your child smiling now, and for many years to come -- and to do that, we need to protect their young teeth from decay. That’s especially important during the halloween and holiday season. Listen up -- this morning, Dr. Mujica is in with some key tips for preventing cavities this month, and all year long!

Your Child’s Oral Health A Factor in Overall Health, Too

When your child has a healthy mouth, free from infection and decay, he is far more likely to be healthier overall. Poor oral health contributes to a number of problems in young children -- from malnutrition to loss of sleep and a higher risk of future orthodontic issues. To prevent cavities and other oral problems, keep the following tips in mind.

#1: Monitor Her Cleaning Techniques

Once your child reaches age six, she should be ready to start brushing her teeth on her own. That doesn’t mean it’s time for you to step down, though -- Dr. Mujica says it’s just as important for you to be beside her as she brushes, making sure each quadrant of the mouth gets a full clean. Emphasize the importance of brushing for two minutes, twice a day, and flossing once a day.

#2: Set Some House Rules

Your child’s teeth are especially vulnerable during the halloween and holiday season, when candy and special treats are all around. It’s important to establish some rules to prevent frequent snacking at home -- one good one is banning candy in the bedroom. When treats are relegated to a specific area, like the kitchen, little ones are far less likely to indulge all day long or fall asleep with candy in their mouth, a huge cause of tooth decay in kids.

#3: And Some Lifestyle Rules, Too

Help your child understand that eating a healthy, balanced diet is good for their teeth, too. Halloween can be a great time to talk about this, says Dr. Mujica. Let them know you understand it’s exciting to have lots of candy, but that moderation is key. Encourage them to rinse their mouth out after eating or drinking sugary items, too. If they do it often enough it’ll become a clean feeling they’ll crave -- and their teeth will be healthier as a result.

#4: Set the Example They Need

Your child looks up to you for everything, and it’s no different with their oral health. Make sure you’re setting an excellent oral hygiene example by brushing and flossing consistently, and staying on top of your twice annual visits to the dentist. Talk positively about the dentist and oral health, and if your child dreads oral hygiene tasks, you can try making them a family event -- she’ll be far more excited to brush and floss if everyone is doing it at the same time.

Schedule a Post-Halloween, Pre-Holiday Checkup Today

If it’s been six months or more since your child’s last dental checkup and cleaning, schedule an appointment at All Kids Pediatric Dentistry today. Good oral hygiene is especially important this time of year, so make sure your child is starting the holiday season off cavity-free with a visit to the dentist in Charlotte -- we’ll work to help their teeth stay healthy today, and for years to come. Call us to schedule your child’s dental appointment today.