All parents want the best for their children and ensuring that their child’s general health and well-being are taken care of is paramount. However, oral care is one of those things that gets overlooked. Good dental habits instilled early in a child’s life will go a long way toward ensuring a healthy set of teeth and good gums throughout their life. Here are five key facts every parent should know about their child’s oral care. These will help in giving a child the best dental care and put them on the right track for good oral health.
Start Oral Care Early
Probably one of the most important things to know in oral care with children is that this needs to be done much earlier than most parents would think. Good dental care actually should begin well before your child’s first tooth appears. Gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings can help remove the bacteria that lead to plaque buildup. When the first tooth erupts-around six months-begin regular cleaning with a soft-bristled, child-sized toothbrush and a tiny smudge of fluoride toothpaste.
Why Fluoride is Important
Fluoride is a mineral important in the health of teeth. It has been shown to strengthen the enamel, thereby making the teeth more resistant to any acid attack that may result in cavities. It is equally important not to have too little, but also not too much fluoride. Drinking fluoridated water and brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste are good ways of providing your child with the protection they need. However, be very conscious of how much toothpaste they use-only a pea-sized amount is needed once they are of the age that they can spit it out. Too much fluoride leads to a condition called fluorosis, which discolors teeth.
Routine Dental Visits Are Important
Parents often wonder when they should schedule their first dental visit for their child. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should see the dentist by his or her first birthday or six months after the eruption of the first tooth. These visits at an early age are very important for several reasons: they allow the dentist to monitor the oral development of your child, perform fluoride treatments at an early stage, and demonstrate to the parent proper ways of brushing and flossing a child’s teeth. If you live in California, a visit to Carmel Valley Pediatric Dentistry ensures that your child gets the specific care he needs based on age and particular needs.
Diet Plays a Major Role in Oral Health
What your child eats has a direct impact on his oral health. Sugar and starchy foods allow the development of cavities because they provide fuel for the bacteria to act. Cut down sugar snacks and try making water a usual drink of choice, especially when snacking between meals. Food items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products not only provide nutrition but also clean the teeth while neutralizing the acids in the mouth.
Monitor Thumb Sucking and Pacifier
Thumb sucking and pacifier use are prevalent among babies and young children due to its comforting effect that helps children feel secure. However, excessive use of pacifiers or thumb-sucking beyond toddler years has adverse effects on dental health. The habits misalign teeth and create problems in the proper growth of the mouth, especially the roof. Most children outgrow thumb sucking and pacifier habits on their own between the ages of two and four, but if your child is beyond the age, it may be time for him or her to quit.
Conclusion
Good oral health for your child is an ongoing process that requires attention to detail, starting quite early. Understanding these five key facts will provide you with the information needed to make sound decisions on behalf of your child’s dental needs and create habits that are beneficial for a lifetime. Let regular visits to a pediatric dentist, such as those at Carmel Valley Pediatric Dentistry, be part of this process.