Children run a very high risk of tooth decay that can lead to a lifetime of dental problems. This article gives seven easy ways to protect your child from tooth decay and instill effective oral hygiene habits at an early age.
The doctors and the team of oral healthcare professionals at Chaparral Valley Dental, located near you in Calgary, Alberta, want to educate their patients, current and new, by offering seven easy ways to introduce your child to good dental habits.
Today, it is the strong recommendation of dentists that children have their first exam conducted by a pediatric dentist no later than age 1.
Before a baby has teeth, it is necessary to brush the gums with a baby toothbrush and water to remove the build-up of plaque and sugars. When the primary teeth begin to emerge through the gumline, the teeth must then be brushed twice per day using the same brushing technique.
It is also strongly recommended not to put a child to sleep with a bottle or a sippy cup filled with formula, milk or juice. The sugars from these drinks will accumulate on their teeth. If the child will not sleep without a bottle or a sippy cup, then fill these with water.
Since sugary juices will lead to tooth decay, limit your child’s intake to no more than four ounces per day. Another helpful tip is to change up routines by serving sugary drinks only during meals or as a special treat.
Although the sippy cup is the natural progression from a bottle to a drinking cup, it is advisable not to allow a child to drink sugary drinks from a sippy cup all day long. This habit will allow for tooth decay to develop on the back of the front teeth.
It has been proven that long-term use of a pacifier will harm dental development. When your child reaches the age of 2, or perhaps earlier, begin to research for ways to wean the toddler from the pacifier.
It is important for parents to be firm and to make clear that the child does not have a choice when it comes to brushing their teeth. Below are some suggested ways to effectively encourage good oral habits.
Parents can easily set healthy examples by making a healthy oral regimen a part of growing up.
If you would like a consultation for additional information on effective dental habits for your children, then please contact the oral healthcare professionals at Chaparral Valley Dental where new patients are always welcome.
Chaparral Valley Dental is trusted and highly recommended in pediatric dentistry, as well as treatments and procedures in the general, restorative and cosmetic fields.