7 Ways the Pediatric Dentist Wants You to Protect Your Child’s Teeth
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.
- Get the First Check-up Before the First Birthday
Today, it is the strong recommendation of dentists that children have their first exam conducted by a pediatric dentist no later than age 1.
- Get in the Habit of Establishing Good Habits
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.
- Stay Away from Baby Bottle Decay
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.
- Do Not Let a Child be Sweet on Sugar
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.
- Reduce the Use of a Sippy Cup
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.
- Pass on the Pacifier by Age 3
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.
- Encourage Good Oral Hygiene Practices
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.
- Patience – Children lack the coordination to effectively brush teeth on their own until the age of 6. Children may not be ready to floss on their own until the age of 10. This is where patience comes in.
- Don’t Wait Until its Late – Begin the child’s oral regimen earlier than right at bedtime as this is when the child is the crankiest.
Allow the Child Choices –Permit the child choose their toothbrush and toothpaste from the options you allow. - Reward their Routine Cleaning – Younger children will happily brush for some kind of a prize or a star on a calendar. Older children will brush when they see their parents and older siblings doing the same.
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.