Ways to prevent cavity in your child's first teeth

• Avoid putting your child to bed sucking on a milk bottle filled with either fruit juice or milk, to prevent "baby-bottle cavities". This extended exposure of the teeth and gums to fruit sugar (fructose) and milk sugar (lactose) encourages fermentation of fructose and lactose by bacteria to acid, which dissolves tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
• Rinse your child's mouth with water and lightly wipe his teeth and gums with a soft damp cloth after a meal or drink. For older kids, inculcate in them the habit to brush their teeth after every meal.
• Prevent frequent snacking on these cavity-producing foods: candy, dried fruits, cookies, soft drinks and potato chips. If offered, serve them in the early part of meals rather than at the end and brush your child's teeth immediately after consumption.
• Offer small amounts of cheddar cheese at the end of a meal to neutralize the cavity-causing effects of acid-producing foods such as candy. Cheese, milk and other dairy products are also good sources of calcium , a nutrient that is vital for the development of strong teeth. • Bring your child for regular dental check-ups and cleaning.