Protect Young Smiles From Childhood Tooth Decay
We get it. Parents have a lot to worry about when it comes to their child’s health and safety. Committing to daily oral hygiene will prevent the pain, inconvenience, and expense of dealing with tooth decay in children. At Bay Area Kids Dentist, we can help.
Even though most moms and dads know the basics of children’s dental care, Santa Clara pediatric dentists continue to see cavities in young children.
Set An Example
It’s critical to make a commitment to proper oral hygiene for yourself. If you have poor oral hygiene, now is the time to change your ways so you can set an example for your child. You will both be better off.
Start (Very) Early
Caring for your infant’s teeth should start even before they erupt. To prevent bacteria growth, parents should wipe their baby’s gums with a wet washcloth after feedings.
Make The Crib A Bottle-Free Zone
Children should never be put to bed with a bottle. The sugars in milk or juice that stay on teeth for hours can damage the enamel. When your little one gets his first tooth, it is time to brush.
Fluoride Warning
Most pre-teens ingest toothpaste, so use only a tiny dab of non-fluoride paste until the child turns two. If a child swallows too much fluoride, it can stain teeth.
Go Over Teeth Again After Child Brushes
When a child is old enough to brush his own teeth, instruct them to brush gently but thoroughly for at least two minutes (or longer until they get the hang of it). You can set a timer so your child understands how long they should keep at it.
For young children, it is important that an adult goes over them after the child finishes. Many little ones thoroughly clean the chewing surfaces but fail to clean the backsides and gumline.
Schedule Snacks
Monitor your child’s meals and snacks. Scheduling snacks and beverages (not including water) to set times during the day can also protect against cavities.
At Bay Area Kids Dentist we emphasize preventive dentistry, to help keep young teeth cavity-free. We have offices in Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and Morgan Hill, where parents bring their kids for our pediatric dentistry. Please call us to schedule an appointment today!