Did you know that 21% of children between the ages of two and five have cavities? Even more shocking, more than 50% of children between the ages of six and eleven have tooth decay as well. Of course, that doesn’t make it any less shocking when you find out that your son or daughter needs a root canal. Immediately, you may feel guilty over the mornings you didn’t double-check that they brushed their teeth or the nights when flossing wasn’t a priority. You shouldn’t though. The only thing you can do is help your child prevent cavities moving forward. Here are a few tips to help prevent root canals for kids!
Tip #1. Make Oral Hygiene Fun
Oral hygiene has a reputation for being boring, but it doesn’t have to be! There are several ways you can spruce up your child’s dental care regimen. To start, try buying them a fun toothbrush, like one with their favorite character on it. Next, get some deliciously flavored toothpaste, like bubble gum or cinnamon. Lastly, track their progress with a sticker chart or something visual. That way, they can see their growth and stay motivated to keep it up!
Tip #2. Get the Timing Right
To thoroughly clean their teeth, your child needs to brush for two full minutes. Fortunately, setting a timer is as easy as pulling out your phone. But why not take a more engaging approach? Creating an upbeat playlist filled with songs that are about two minutes in length will help both them and you keep track of how long they’ve been brushing.
Tip #3. Schedule Appointments Around Your Calendar
Biannual dental checkups and cleanings are essential to your child’s oral health. If you plan them haphazardly, then you’re much more likely to skip them. For example, if you always go out of town for Thanksgiving, then don’t schedule their dental appointment the week before when you’ll be busy packing and planning. Similarly, the week before and after Labor Day tends to be smack-dab in the middle of back-to-school season, which is always hectic for families. So, find a time in your schedule that works for you and schedule their six-month visits around that!
Tip #4. Be Mindful of Sugar
It’s no secret that sugar is one of the biggest culprits of cavities. However, candy isn’t the only treat that’s packed with it. Sports drinks, soda, fruit juices, and certain cereals are filled with this sweet ingredient. So, it’s important to do your best to be mindful of their sugar intake. Instead, try to find low-sugar or sugar-free options. Their teeth will thank you for it!
Guilt may be your first reaction to hearing that your child needs a root canal. Ultimately, however, the only thing you can do is do your best to help your son or daughter from needing another one down the line. Fortunately, the above tips will assist you in doing just that!
About the Practice
At Afton Endodontics, patients can enjoy exceptional, comfortable, and personalized care from two phenomenal endodontists, Dr. Gregory C. Gell and Dr. Kathryn Watts. Together, they use their extensive education, advanced training, and passion for dentistry to save damaged or decayed teeth. If your child needs a root canal, you have a question about the procedure, or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (704) 784-4625.