Cavities and tooth decay are something that should be avoided as much as possible at any age. However, it's especially important to have good dental habits from the beginning. Keeping your children's teeth cavity-free should be a priority. Around 42 percent of children ages 2 to 11 have cavities in their baby teeth while 21 percent of children ages 6 to 11 have cavities in their permanent teeth. The good news is that there are a few things that you can do to prevent tooth decay in your children's teeth. Here are three tips for keeping tooth decay at bay.

1. Start Good Dental Care Early

The best way to prevent tooth decay from becoming a major issue is by practicing good oral hygiene from the beginning. This means brushing your child's teeth as soon as they push through and teaching them how to brush their own teeth as soon as they are able. You can start using fluoride toothpaste on your child's teeth as early as age three and most children are able to start brushing their own teeth by age six.

2. Dental Exams Are A Must

Another thing to consider is that regular visits to the dentist are a must for keeping your child's teeth cavity-free. Your child's first visit to the dental clinic is recommended as soon as their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. Dental exams are then recommended every six months throughout childhood. Regular exams will allow your dentist to monitor the development of the teeth and to address any early signs of decay. Regular dental cleanings are a key part of dental exams. These cleanings remove plaque and can help prevent cavities from developing. 

3. Dental Sealants And Fluoride Treatments Can Help

Even with proper dental care and regular dental exams, some children may be more prone to cavities and decay than others. There are a few things that you can do that may make your children less likely to get cavities. Dental sealants and fluoride treatments can help. Dental sealants are applied to the teeth in order to act as a barrier to cavity-causing bacteria. Sealants cost between $30 and $40 per tooth and can reduce cavities by up to 60 percent for four years or more. Fluoride treatments range in price from $20 to $50 and can also help prevent tooth decay.

For many parents, keeping their children's teeth cavity-free is a priority. A few things that can help include getting an early start on good dental care habits, getting regular dental exams, and having dental sealants, and fluoride treatments applied.