Cavities are the most common chronic disease in children, but they are largely preventable. By adopting good habits from the earliest months, you can protect your child's teeth for years. Your dentist in Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac gives you the keys to prevention.
Quick Answer
- Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears
- Use fluoride toothpaste in an age-appropriate amount
- Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice
- Limit sugary snacks and juices between meals
- Schedule a first dental visit before age 1
Age-Appropriate Brushing
0-12 months
Before teeth appear, clean gums with a damp compress after feedings. Once the first tooth emerges, use a baby toothbrush with a rice grain of fluoride toothpaste.
1-3 years
Use a rice grain of fluoride toothpaste. Brush your child's teeth twice daily — they lack the fine motor skills to do it effectively alone.
3-6 years
Switch to a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Supervise brushing and help your child reach back teeth. Teach them to spit out toothpaste without excessive rinsing.
Baby Bottle Decay: A Preventable Danger
Letting a child fall asleep with a bottle of milk, juice, or sugary liquid is one of the leading causes of cavities in toddlers. The liquid bathes teeth in sugar throughout the night, promoting bacterial growth. If your child needs a bottle to sleep, fill it with water only.
Diet and Cavities
- Limit fruit juice (even 100% pure) to one small glass per day
- Offer water as the main beverage
- Avoid sugary and sticky snacks (candies, raisins, granola bars)
- Choose fresh fruits, cheese, and vegetables as snacks
- Avoid continuous snacking — teeth need "breaks" between sugar exposures
Fluoride: A Powerful Ally
Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities. In Quebec, tap water is not fluoridated in most municipalities. Fluoride toothpaste and in-office fluoride treatments are therefore especially important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are baby teeth worth treating if they'll fall out?
Yes! Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infections, and damage developing permanent teeth. They also play an essential role in chewing and speech.
Can my child swallow toothpaste?
In small amounts (rice grain or pea-sized), ingesting fluoride toothpaste is safe. That's why it's important to follow recommended quantities.
Are dental sealants recommended?
Yes, sealants are a very effective protection on permanent molars as soon as they erupt (around age 6). Discuss this with your dentist at your next visit.
To protect your child's dental health, book an appointment at our pediatric dentistry clinic in Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac.
Need an appointment?
Our Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac team is ready to answer your questions and provide quality care.
