Parenting can be a rewarding experience, but it can be a challenge as you have to care for your little one’s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing until they can do it themself. Not only that, but you also need to take the steps to ensure their smile stays healthy! You aren’t given a handbook when you have a child, but learning these five facts about kids’ dental health can help you feel more prepared to protect their teeth.
1.) Oral Care Starts Earlier Than You May Think
Proper dental care starts even before your little one’s teeth start to erupt! That means it’s important to follow an at-home routine when they are in their infancy, like using a soft cloth to wipe your baby’s gums. Like your own brushing, it should be done twice a day to remove any harmful bacteria from their mouth.
2.) Kids Should See a Dentist as Soon as Their First Baby Teeth Appear
Some people think that baby teeth aren’t as important as their permanent pearly whites, as the former are temporary. However, they are crucial as they can help your children chew food, which is necessary for good nutrition. Plus, they are essential for speech and can save space for permanent teeth. Without having baby teeth as a guide, it can lead to future misalignment. It’s recommended to schedule your child’s first routine dental appointment no later than their first birthday.
3.) Tooth Decay Is the Most Common Oral Health Issue Among Kids
Cavities and tooth decay aren’t just limited to adults! Did you know that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 kids in the U.S from ages 5 to 11 have at least one untreated decaying tooth? Even as they get older from ages 12 to 19, one in seven children has a troubled pearly white!
4.) Candy Isn’t the Only Cause of Cavities
While sugar can lead to cavities, they are not the only culprit. Starchy snacks like cookies, crackers, and bread can increase your little one’s risk as well. The bacteria in their mouth feed off the carbohydrates and release acid that can harm their enamel. It’s important to brush their teeth after eating these foods to lower the chance of cavities.
5.) Poor Oral Health Can Affect Your Child’s Academics
According to The New York State Department of Health, 51 million school hours are lost yearly because of children’s oral health problems! Even though they are getting the care they need, they are missing out on some days of valuable education. Be sure to practice good oral hygiene and routine check-ups so your child won’t miss out on schooling.
Keep these five facts in mind when you are caring for your little one’s oral health! By setting a good example and encouraging positive habits, you can ensure that their pearly whites stay strong.
About the Practice
At Cove Choice Dental, we want you to feel confident in taking care of your child’s teeth. Our team of experienced dentists is dedicated to helping them build healthy habits that they can carry out into adulthood. They also want to give you the tools you need to help them with their oral health journey, so they can have happy smiles for a lifetime. If you want to learn more about how to care for your child’s pearly whites, schedule an appointment for them or call us at (254) 987-6777.