How do I keep kids from getting cavities?

Regular visits to your dentist, a good diet and brushing habits and having dental sealants placed on all pits fissures of adult posterior teeth can make cavity formation less likely.

Diet plays a big role in the formation of cavities. Acidic food can help dissolve enamel and sugar as well as carbohydrates can be easily metabolized by the bacteria that cause caries. Try to limit your child's sugary snacks and carbonated sodas are thought to be especially harmful to teeth and bone.

During dental visit, children's teeth are inspected, hygiene instruction is given, persistant plaque is removed and fluoride treatments are given. All of these steps can help prevent cavity formation. Also the dentist or hygienist can place pit and fissure sealants on the grooves of the permanent posterior teeth. Sealants are well documented as an effective way to prevent decay.