Your toddler's personality is starting to show through their smile, and you want to make sure they have a healthy one! Out of excitement, you may persuade yourself that taking your young kid to a general dentist as soon as they have teeth is a good idea. However, it's best to postpone seeing a pediatric dentist until after your child turns four.
Here are three brilliant ideas to help care for your child's dental health.
Brushing and Flossing Is Key
Toddlers need to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to keep their smiles looking great. Your pediatric dentist may recommend a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for your young child. As they grow older, you can increase the amount to a smear, enough to keep their teeth healthy.
However, if your child isn't too enthusiastic about brushing their teeth, consider turning the activity into a game or singing a song while they brush. You may also get them a unique toothbrush or one with their favorite fictional character on it to make the task more enjoyable. If possible, use a reward chart to make sure they brush for at least two minutes before they go to sleep.
In addition, remember your young child needs to floss at least once a day. Flossing removes plaque and bacteria that normal brushing can't get to. It's also an excellent way to prevent cavities and gum disease. In fact, most pediatric dentists recommend that flossing begins at an early age (as soon as the first two teeth sprout).
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Most pediatric dentists recommend visits every six months. But be sure to check with your dentist to see what they recommend for your child. But if you notice any problems with your child's teeth or gums, don't wait to visit the dentist. Instead, call and schedule an appointment.
The dentist will clean your child's teeth, remove any plaque or tartar buildup, and also look for early signs of tooth decay. Cavities are the most common dental concern in children, so catching them as early as possible makes all the difference.
Additionally, to help prevent cavities, pediatric dentists often prescribe fluoride supplements, sealants, and diet counseling.
Limit Their Sugar Intake
As a parent, the best way to help your children maintain good oral health is to limit their sugar intake. That's because sugar is one of the leading causes of tooth decay.
Most pediatric dentists recommend that you limit sugary drinks, snacks, and sticky candy from your child's diet. Instead, offer your child healthy alternatives such as water, fruits, and vegetables. In addition, make sure your toddler gets enough calcium and phosphorus in their diet to help strengthen their teeth. If they do eat sugary foods, make sure they brush their teeth immediately after they're done.
Keep these tips in mind when looking for pediatric dental specialists near you.
Share1 February 2022
When the bottled water craze began, I jumped on the bandwagon with everyone else who was drinking water from bottles instead of from the tap. I wasn't sure why bottled water was healthier, but I liked the taste. When I went for my next dental check-up, I had my first cavity in a while, so I had it filled and didn't think much of it. Well, I had two more during my next check-up after that, and I began trying to think of why my teeth were suddenly going bad. The only change in my habits was the switch to bottled water, so I made the switch back to tap water and my teeth began to improve. I created this blog to encourage others who have begun getting cavities suddenly to look into their changes in habits. They may find they made a change similar to mine.