Taking care of your own teeth is one thing. But taking care of your child’s? That comes with a little more pressure. There’s a lot to be aware of too, so we don’t blame you if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Whether or not you’ve had time to do your research while looking after your little one, we know five oral health facts that can help you out. So step right up and keep reading to learn how you can protect their teeth!
#1. Baby Teeth: Expendable or Invaluable?
Sure, you can expect your kiddo to lose their baby teeth eventually. They are in fact designed to do that. But that doesn’t mean they don’t need your attention. Baby teeth also serve a purpose, and that’s to guide adult teeth into place and help your little one practice chewing and talking in the meantime. You should preserve them with good oral hygiene and regular checkups until they’re good and ready to come out!
#2. Brush Their Tooth – Yes, Tooth Singular
It might not seem like a big deal to skip out on the whole dental cleaning thing if your kiddo only has one or two teeth. Unfortunately, the truth is that children can develop cavities as soon as their first tooth emerges. How does this happen? Well, milk and baby formula contain sugar, which infamously leads to tooth decay. To mitigate this risk, gently wipe your infant’s gums after feeding.
#3. Baby’s First Dental Checkup
Pediatric dentists recommend taking your child to their first checkup when they turn one year old. This should make more sense now that you know baby teeth are important and kids can develop cavities early. Another strategic benefit is that a timely visit can get them used to their pediatric dentist and the appointment process. You might just have an easier time taking them to appointments in the future!
#4. Encourage Oral Hygiene Habits
Your pediatric dentist is great, but reinforcing healthy oral hygiene habits starts in the home. Plus, children are notoriously resistant to dental care. If you can make their brushing and flossing routines fun and enjoyable, they’ll have a positive association with dental care that will last them well into adulthood.
#5. Bacteria Causes Cavities
Technically, sugar doesn’t cause cavities. Harmful bacteria do. That said, a high-sugar diet will still likely lead to tooth decay. The key piece of information you might be missing here is that sugar fuels bacteria growth. So while it’s not like the sugar itself is breaking down pearly whites, it empowers bacteria to do it instead. It’s important to regulate your child’s sugar consumption – which means minimizing any super sugary foods, not just candy!
Taking care of a child can be an intimidating task sometimes, but you’re not alone. Your pediatric dentist will thoroughly check for cavities and dental conditions during checkups. This in itself is really helpful, but they can also keep you informed about your child’s oral health as they grow. If you have questions or need some professional advice, all you have to do is ask!
About the Author
Dr. Nisha Mehta has achieved the highest level of pediatric dentistry education and is board-certified. She believes that all children deserve the best oral care possible. If your child has special needs, Dr. Mehta is highly qualified to provide dental accommodations. She’ll welcome you and your little one to her office with her signature warm, compassionate nature! To schedule an appointment, call 281-849-3003 or visit her website for more information.