This month we are celebrating Children’s Dental Health Month! Do you know all the reasons why taking care of your children's dental health is crucial? Let’s talk about it:
Good oral habits in childhood can set the stage for healthy teeth and gums throughout life. Baby teeth, although temporary, play a significant role in proper speech development, chewing, and maintaining space for permanent teeth.
Early dental care will also help prevent tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. If left untreated, these issues can lead to pain, infections, and even tooth loss, which can impact a child’s ability to eat, speak, and focus on schoolwork.
All the at-home habits are just as important as regular dental visits. Make sure you are scheduling yearly visits with your dental provider. During these visits, your dentist can teach you how to properly brush and floss your teeth. Proper brushing techniques establish healthy habits that are carried into adulthood. Kids who are taught to care for their teeth early are more likely to continue these habits as they grow.
Oral health is closely connected to overall health. Poor dental hygiene can contribute to serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
Not only are these oral health habits able to help increase your child’s overall health, but having a healthy smile can contribute to a child’s appearance and confidence. Children with untreated dental problems may feel self-conscious about their smiles, which can affect their social interactions and mental well-being.
If you are ready to help your child have the healthiest smile this year, give us a call! We recommend that children should start visiting the dentist by age 3-4, but it's important for children of all ages to maintain good oral health. Brushing should begin as soon as the baby's teeth appear, using a soft cloth or a child’s soft toothbrush.
A child's oral health routine should focus on prevention and establishing good habits early. Here’s what it should include:
- Brushing
- Twice a day: Brush the child’s teeth at least twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. This helps remove plaque and prevent tooth decay.
- Proper technique: Use a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles and a small, pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Parents should help children brush until they're around 7-8 years old, as they may not have the dexterity to do it effectively on their own.
- Time: Brush for at least two minutes. You can make it fun by singing a song or using a timer.
- Flossing
- Daily flossing: Flossing is important once the child has two teeth that touch. Floss once a day, usually before bedtime, to remove food particles and plaque between the teeth.
- Technique: Parents may need to assist with flossing until the child can do it themselves, usually around age 8.
- Regular Dental Check-ups
- Early visits: A child should visit the dentist around their first birthday, or when their first tooth appears. Regular check-ups (typically every 6 months) allow the dentist to monitor the development of teeth, prevent cavities, and address any early issues.
- Professional cleaning: The dentist will clean the child’s teeth to remove any tartar buildup and polish them to keep them looking and feeling good.
- Diet and Snacks
- Limit sugary foods and drinks: Try to limit sugary snacks and drinks (like soda and candy), which can lead to cavities. Encourage water and healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
- Healthy meals: Foods high in calcium (like milk, cheese, and yogurt) help strengthen teeth, while crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples can help clean teeth.
- Fluoride
- Fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride helps prevent cavities by making teeth more resistant to decay. Ensure the toothpaste used contains fluoride (appropriate for the child's age).
- Fluoride treatments: Your dentist may recommend fluoride varnish or gel to apply during dental visits, especially for kids with a higher risk of cavities.
- Mouth Protection (if needed)
- Sports guards: If your child plays contact sports, make sure they wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth from injury.
- Good Habits
- Avoid thumb sucking: Prolonged thumb sucking can affect the alignment of the teeth. Encourage stopping this habit as the child grows.
- Teach not to bite on non-food items: Biting on things like pens, ice, or fingernails can damage teeth.
Creating and sticking to a routine with these elements will not only keep your child's teeth clean but also foster habits they’ll carry into adulthood! By instilling these practices, parents can ensure their children's comfort, promote their overall well-being, and help them develop lifelong habits that benefit their health.
Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment for your child!