Ensuring that you child maintains good oral health can seem like a daunting task. After all, even if you can oversee your youngster's brushing and flossing routine at home, you may still feel that you don't have many options to support his or her dental health when you are away from the house. 

Plaque begins to form each time your child eats or drinks, so supportive measures can be important if cavities are to be avoided. Here are a few ways that you can protect your child's teeth and gums when you are not at home:

Keep sugarless gum handy.

Sugarless gum promotes the release of saliva, which can help wash away food particles and plaque before they damage teeth or inflame gums. In addition, if the sugarless gum is sweetened with xylitol, it will have anti-bacterial properties to help control the growth of decay-causing microbes in your child's mouth. 

The adhesive nature of gum makes it a good after-meal choice. If your youngster normally likes to eat something sweet, such as sugary candy, after a meal, offer sugarless gum. The gum will stick to residual food debris in your child's mouth and help cure your child's sweet tooth.

Offer water.

Water is always a good option to keep your child hydrated and to dilute the acid that can build up in the mouth from oral bacteria. Acidic substances have a pH that is lower than 7, which is the pH of pure water. Water can dilute or weaken the acid so that it is not as damaging to teeth. 

Keeping your child hydrated can also help prevent dry mouth that can cause acid in the oral cavity to be more concentrated.

Give your little one black tea to drink.

Tea is a flavored alternative to acidic sodas or sweet juices. It is usually readily available at restaurants, and many children like the taste.

Studies show that three or four cups of black tea per day can help lessen the amount of oral bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, in the mouth. The tea appears to be beneficial even if you sweeten your child's drink with a little sugar. Green tea may not be as readily available, but it can also benefit oral health.

There are ways to help minimize the damage to your child's teeth when he or she is not at home. To learn additional methods to maximize pediatric oral health, contact a pediatric dentist, such as Round Lake Dental Clinic, today.