What Easy Thing Can Our Kids Do to Avoid Cavities?

Throw this mouthwash in your cart this week when you’re out stocking up on oats, flour and cereals. 

I still remember how I felt, as a mom of two, young and trying oh-so-hard. The dentist had removed his gloves, crossed his legs and looked at me in the eye with a serious kinda look and announced that my child, who barely had 12 teeth in total in that cute mouth, had 6 cavities and needed two root canals. 

I felt like I had failed. Miserably. 

Looking back, as an older, more experienced mom I want to tell her, (the young, inexperienced and not so confident me)  “Don’t beat yourself up, you tried, you flossed and brushed religiously. You know you did, it’s not personal. It’s genetics.”

Because, I know now that it really is, genetics. There’s only so much we can do to avoid cavities; some children are more prone than others. Of course, regular brushing, flossing (the right way!!) and dental checkups are super important and will help avoid cavities, but, as I see now, that same child, is still suffering from dental dramas years later, and hygiene is not the issue here. 

Back to my story, that day, at the dentist office… years ago.

I turned to the dentist, and said: “Doctor, how do I avoid this happening again??? He’s so little!”

To which, the dentist replied… the usual. All the things we all know we need to do, plus this tip: Use Act Mouthwash Rinse after every brushing. This is especially relevant for those living in places that don’t add fluoride to the water (like in Lakewood). 

My kids love Act Rinse Bubblegum Flavor which really helps make this easy. We count until 20 or sing Happy Birthday (I sing, they do a dance) and they’re done. 

And yes, I have seen that it’s working. So much so that I use it myself as well.