Childhood shouldn't have to include the discomfort and uncertainty that cavities can bring. Unfortunately, most children will develop at least one cavity during their early years, but that doesn't mean that it has to be that way for your child. Whether they've already been through a cavity or not, there are things you can do to help keep this from happening again. One important time to target is when your child is at school, as they may spend six or more hours away from home where they can't brush their teeth. Here's what you can do to help protect their teeth during this time.

Never Miss Morning Care

Having your child thoroughly brush their teeth after they eat breakfast is extremely important in the battle against cavities. 

For starters, you want your child to brush after eating so that what they eat for breakfast doesn't remain lingering on their teeth, feeding the bacteria responsible for plaque development.

Another good reason to do it, though, is that your child's teeth are likely covered in a biofilm of bacteria that developed while they were asleep. This biofilm can speed the development of plaque whether or not your child eats breakfast, especially when lunchtime rolls around.

What They Eat

Chances are your child eats lunch while they're at school, and what they eat during that lunch can play a role in whether they get cavities, too.

Obviously, you want your child to avoid as much sugar as possible in order to help cut down on the risk of cavities. Limiting their access to simple carbohydrates will also help, as these break down as simple sugars.

However, that's not all you can do. You can also introduce foods that help to slow the growth and development of bacteria and plaque respectively, like milk products such as cheese and yogurt. While these foods can't do as much as tooth brushing, they do provide an oral health boost.

Dental Sealants

Lastly, consider talking to your child's dentist about dental sealants. This service adds a thin layer of filling to the chewing surfaces of your child's teeth that acts like a second layer of protective enamel. These sealants can help to protect your child's teeth around the clock, no matter where they are or what they're doing, so it's well worth signing up for.

With these tips, your child will have a reduced risk of developing cavities, especially during the hours that they're away from home. Talk with a dentist at a dental office like Dentistry For Children if you have further questions or need advice.