Cavity Prevention for Children: A Parent’s Guide to Healthy Smiles
Cavities (tooth decay) are the most common chronic disease in children, but they’re almost entirely preventable. With the right habits and dental care, you can help your child avoid pain, missed school days, and costly treatments. In this article, we’ll share 10 practical tips to keep your child’s teeth cavity-free.
Explore more from the Canadian Dental Association on tooth decay in children.
Why Do Kids Get Cavities So Easily?
Children’s enamel is thinner and more vulnerable. Combine that with sugary snacks, poor brushing, and irregular checkups, and cavities can form quickly—especially on back teeth.
Need to understand the stages of decay? Start with our tooth decay guide.
Top 10 Tips to Prevent Cavities in Children
1. Start Early
Begin cleaning your child’s gums even before teeth appear. Start brushing with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste once the first tooth erupts.
2. Brush Twice a Day
Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for kids over 3. Brush for two full minutes—morning and night.
3. Floss Daily
As soon as your child has two teeth that touch, start flossing once a day.
4. Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks
Avoid frequent snacking on candy, juice, and sticky carbs. Offer healthy snacks like cheese, apples, or carrots.
5. No Bottles at Bedtime
Milk or juice at bedtime (or nap time) increases the risk of baby bottle tooth decay.
Want to learn about brushing baby teeth? Read this post.
6. Drink Tap Water
Most tap water in Canada contains fluoride, which helps protect tooth enamel.
7. Use Dental Sealants
Ask your dentist about sealants for molars—these provide extra protection against decay.
Explore our guide on dental sealants for kids.
8. Chew Sugar-Free Gum (for older kids)
Gum with xylitol can help reduce bacteria and stimulate saliva flow.
9. Lead by Example
Brush and floss together. Let your child see that dental care is important to you, too.
10. Visit the Dentist Regularly
Schedule dental checkups every 6 months to catch issues early and reinforce good habits.
📅 Book your child’s next cleaning at Maxilla Dental
Healthy Habits = Happy Smiles
Preventing cavities is easier than treating them. With a little daily effort and support from our team at Maxilla Dental, you can help your child grow up with strong, confident teeth.
📅 Book your pediatric dental visit today – your child’s smile is worth it!
