Oral Health Care Tips for Children
Because parents play such a key role in the health of their children’s teeth, Midland pediatric dentist Tim Simpson offers oral health care tips to the parents of his pediatric patients. By providing routine dental care and properly caring for the teeth and gums of children starting during infancy, parents can help maintain the health of their children’s smiles.
Oral Health Care Tips for Children: The First Dental Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that your child’s first dental visit take place after the child’s first tooth appears, but no later than a year old. Many parents do not realize that baby teeth are vulnerable to tooth decay. By taking your child to the dentist during his or her first year, we can detect early tooth decay and determine fluoride needs, as well as provide information on facial and oral development. During your child’s first appointment at our Midland, TX cosmetic dentistry practice, we will discuss all of the above issues, as well as how to properly care for your child’s teeth and healthy dietary choices.
Oral Health Care Tips for Children: How Often Should My Child Visit the Dentist?
Your child’s oral health will determine how often dental visits are recommended. That being said, we typically recommend that our Midland, TX restorative dentistry patients undergo a dental check-up every six months. Children who are experiencing dental problems may require more frequent dental visits.
Oral Health Care Tips for Children: Flossing
Many children develop cavities in between the teeth. The space between the teeth is difficult to clean. Flossing is crucial in preventing cavities from forming between the teeth. Parents should help their children floss their teeth beginning around the age of three.
Oral Health Care Tips for Children: Brushing the Teeth
Parents should help their children brush their teeth until they are capable and responsible enough to do a thorough job without assistance. Children should brush their teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush using a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Mouthwash containing fluoride may also be used. Children should brush their teeth at least twice a day.
Oral Health Care Tips for Children: Diet
Your child’s diet plays a key role in his or her oral health. To help maintain your child’s healthy smile, you should encourage your child to eat a diet that is low in sugar. When sugary foods are consumed, it should be in moderation.
Oral Health Care Tips for Children: Sippy Cups
Many parents allow their children to have juice in a sippy cup. Children walking around drinking juice all day long have an increased risk of developing cavities. It is recommended that children not drink more than four ounces of 100-percent juice a day.
Oral Health Care Tips for Children: Pacifiers
Pacifiers can be damaging a child’s dental health. One of the many dental problems that can be caused by using a pacifier is alignment issues. Because of this, we usually recommend that children be completely weaned from pacifiers no later than the age of three.
Oral Health Care Tips for Children
It can be extremely difficult to get your child to cooperate when it comes to flossing and brushing his or her teeth. Letting your child pick out his or her own toothbrush and toothpaste may help encourage your child to brush his or her teeth. A reward system may also motivate your child to engage in a healthy oral hygiene routine.
Contact Our Pediatric Dentist
To learn more oral health care tips for children, please contact pediatric dentist Tim Simpson today.