When it comes to your child’s primary teeth, there is no better time than now to begin practicing good oral hygiene. Pediatric dentistry ensures that your child’s primary teeth are healthy, free of decay, and free of other dental diseases.
Seeking a dentist in Colorado Springs? Look no further! At Peakview Dentistry, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional dental care in a warm and welcoming environment. Our experienced team of Colorado Springs dentists is here to address your dental concerns, from preventive care to smile-transforming treatments. Make your oral health a priority and schedule an appointment with us today. Your journey to a healthier, more beautiful smile begins here.
Introduction to Good Oral Hygiene for Children
Oral hygiene begins as early as infancy. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, you should start incorporating some type of dental hygiene routine as soon as possible. Wipe down the gums with gauze or a soft, wet washcloth before any teeth erupt.
Keep your teeth clean once they start to appear. This daily ritual requires the use of the proper tools. For example, it is critical to purchase a toothbrush that is specifically designed for babies.
Importance Of Child Dental Health:
Here are some facts that highlight the importance of starting to care for your child’s oral health at a young age, as well as some tips to help you become more involved in the process.
#1: Tooth decay and cavities are the most common pediatric diseases.
Yes, you read that correctly. The most common diseases in children are dental in nature! As a result, you should schedule regular dental visits for your child as soon as you notice their teeth appear or as soon as they reach their first birthday. Your child should see the dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and checkups to ensure early detection and treatment of any dental problems that may arise. Choosing a reputable dental care provider like Hylan Dental Care can further ensure that your child receives comprehensive and top-quality dental services.
#2 Begin Oral Hygiene at a Young Age
Many people believe that they do not need to care for their child’s mouth until their teeth have erupted, but this is not the case. You should gently clean your child’s gums with a warm cloth until their teeth begin to erupt. Brush their teeth with an infant toothbrush and a very small amount of child-friendly toothpaste as soon as their teeth appear. This will keep them healthy until their first visit to a dentist in your area.
#3 Remove the Pacifier
Using a pacifier after the age of two can have long-term consequences for your kids dental health. It can alter their bite and cause issues like overbite and crossbite.
#4 Fluoride Is Necessary
Some parents try to keep fluoride out of their children’s diets because they mistakenly believe it is harmful. Fluoride treatments, on the other hand, are one of the most effective ways to strengthen your kids teeth and prevent cavities. Our Dental Elements team recommends that your child use fluoridated toothpaste and receive fluoride treatments at least once every six months.
#5 Diet is Crucial
Bacteria in our mouths thrive on the sugars that coat our teeth when we eat and drink. As a result, it is critical to limit the number of sugary snacks your child is allowed to consume. Feed them plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Make sure your child has his or her first dental visit by the time he or she is one to two years old if you haven’t already. Your pediatric dentist will keep your child’s teeth healthy by removing plaque and food debris that has become lodged in his teeth.
This is an important aspect of dental care because it prevents bacteria from growing, which can lead to other dental diseases (eg. tooth decay or inflammation of the gum tissue). Make going to the pediatric dentist a fun adventure that always ends with a tooth-friendly reward.
Advice from a Professional
1. A pediatric dentist will give you expert advice on how to care for your child’s teeth at home. Advice typically includes the proper way to floss and brush your child’s teeth, as well as additional information based on your child’s specific dental condition.
2. Another common topic is your child’s eating habits and what parents can do to help protect their child’s teeth and gums. Parents should avoid foods high in sugar and starch as a general precaution. Furthermore, a child should never sleep while nursing or with juice or milk in their bottle.
3. The primary teeth of your child are crucial. They are crucial developmental stages for your child’s future dental health. Dentistry for children provides parents with an oral care guide so that their children will have excellent dental hygiene as they grow.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates