Dental problems actually start at a very young age, many times as early as preschool age. In fact more than 32 percent of children aged 2 to 5 years old in the United States have tooth decay, according to the CDC. There are several reasons why the baby teeth are very important.
Baby teeth hold the space for permanent teeth. That is important for proper speech development. It also allows your child to comfortably chew nutritious food. Plus, infected baby teeth can cause tooth decay with all its serious consequences. The permanent teeth can also be damaged from baby tooth decay.
So the more can you do to make sure your child’s teeth and gums are healthy the better. This will aid the child’s dental health throughout life. The following is a brief tutorial on the things you can do to improve your children’s dental health.
Wise Eating:
Even if your child isn’t allowed to eat foods with lots of sugars, many foods can still be high in sugar. Make sure your child is eating a balanced diet and try to avoid sticky or sugary snacks. Try to serve juices at mealtime and water in between. Look at the labels on milk, formula, juice and even crackers. You will be surprised.
Try to never put your baby to bed with a bottle. The absolute worst thing you can do is fill the bottle with carbonated beverages. That is a sure way to destroy your child’s dental health. As an Encino dentist I have seen small children with crumbling abscessed teeth several times. It is heartbreaking for me to see.
Taking Care:
The earlier you can start a cleaning and brushing habit, the more it becomes just a normal part of the daily routine. Starting at birth, wipe your baby’s gums with a damp washcloth after feedings. If your baby has teeth, brush them at least twice a day. Once in the morning and at bedtime are best times.
Be an Example:
Children aren’t able to really brush their teeth properly until they are about 8 years old. Studies show that when parents have their own healthy habits, children are likely to follow. Let your child watch you brush and floss or bring him with you to the dentist. At my Encino dental office we try to make it fun for the kids.
Dental Visits:
I like to check to make sure the child’s teeth are coming in properly. We go over fluoride and the correct way to brush a child’s teeth. I have found that regular visits before age 3 get your child used to the dental experience. This can help to avoid anxiety and make dental visits a positive experience.
This article is dedicated to my grandson Matt who is now experiencing the right of passage called teething. Love you Mattie!
Tip of the Day: For the years you child is teething, check out the Raz-Berry Teether. The unique shape allows active tikes like Matt to sooth his gums hands free. There are just too many things for those busy little hands to explore to tie them up with teething.
