Newborn babies already have teeth though these haven’t erupted yet. Consequently, it’s safe to say that proper oral care begins during infancy and should continue until the child is capable of carrying out essential oral hygiene practices unassisted. This is an important lesson that every parent must impart because it is at this crucial stage where a child’s oral health during adulthood is determined. An article for DentalCare.com provides simple yet helpful tips on how parents can get their kids started on the path toward a lifetime of good oral health.
Quick tips for better oral health for kids
- Start practicing good oral care even before the first tooth comes in. From healthy gums come healthy teeth.
- Parents should schedule their child’s first dental appointment before the first birthday and every 6 months starting at age 3.
- It is important that children brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and begin flossing as soon as two teeth touch.
- Children should limit sugary and sticky foods and drinks to protect against tooth decay.
Dental care will switch from dabbing a cloth on the gums to mild brushing as soon as the child turns two. Some of the first teeth would have already erupted by this time, and consequently become vulnerable to decay. The same article recommends limiting a child’s sugary food intake as even a tiny amount of sugar on the surface of teeth may react with enzymes from naturally occurring oral bacteria, forming a type of acid that is responsible for tooth decay. It may be too late before you realize that your child’s first teeth already have cavities and are bound to fall off long before the permanent teeth erupt.
Proper dental care must be paired with regular visits to a Greenville, SC family dental office as soon as a child turns one year old. Professional monitoring, among other things, can facilitate early detection and prevention of future dental issues. Some studies show that children who do not receive professional dental care during infancy become susceptible to tooth decay as they reach adolescence. You surely don’t want your child to suffer the same fate.
For optimum protection against oral diseases, it is best to seek the services of a dentist who has experience in family dentistry in Greenville, SC for both adults and children. A dentist like Dr. Brian Derrick of Falls Park Dentistry can ensure that everyone in your family, regardless of age, has healthy pearly whites.
(Source: HOW DO I CARE FOR MY CHILD’S TEETH?, dentalcare.com)