Teeth are at risk for tooth decay from the first day they appear in the mouth. The bacteria found in your child’s mouth play a role in tooth decay. Did you know that tooth decay bacteria can be passed on to the child from other family members? Therefore, it is important for all family members to have a healthy mouth.
The foods we eat and drink also play a role in the type of bacteria found in our mouth. Tooth decay can occur depending on the frequency or duration of exposure to ‘sticky’ foods or liquids that contain sugars. Sugar provides food for the bacteria that causes cavities and also increases the acid levels in your mouth. An increase in acidity of the mouth can lead to tooth decay. It is best to eat sugary foods like a dessert or beverage with a meal rather that over a period of time. This limits the number of sugary acid attacks the teeth are exposed to and therefore decreases the risk of tooth decay.
Snacks are also an important part of a child’s daily food intake not just a “treat” between meals. Here are some suggestions on healthy snacks for hungry and thirsty children: unsweetened applesauce, raw vegetables, raw 
fruits, fruit juices, vegetable juices, milk, cheese, ice milk, milk puddings, yogurt, eggs, nuts, peanut butter, seeds, bagels, cereals, pita breads, yogurt drinks. Of course the healthiest thirst quencher is water and you should encourage your child to drink water throughout the day.
Also, remember brushing and flossing your child’s teeth after meals is the ideal way to decrease the risk of tooth decay. A child is able to brush alone only when they have the ability to write not just print their name. This is usually around the age or 8 years old.
It is recommended that your child has their first visit to the dental clinic around his or her first birthday, but it could be sooner if you notice anything that concerns you. When the first dental visit happens at a young age it usually means that it will be a fun experience for your child. Good dental habits start when you are young and your dental hygienist is perfectly situated to talk about tooth brushing, flossing, eating habits and fluoride. At Harbour City Dental Hygiene we encourage parents to bring their children with them for a comfortable, fun orientation prior to their routine cleaning appointment.
