No matter the age of your little one, there is a good chance that oral hygiene is one of the last things they’re thinking about. Whether it is toys, video games, or playing outside with friends, helping them avoid cavities can be a challenge. Fortunately, dentists throughout the U.S. are working diligently throughout February to promote National Children’s Dental Health Month. To ensure your mini-me gets a good report the next time they visit the dentist, here are three oral health tips for your child that you can consider.
When Should My Child See a Dentist For the First Time?
If you are unsure when you should schedule your child’s first dental appointment, the general rule of thumb is to bring them in once their first tooth erupts or before their first birthday. Although this visit is unlikely to include a thorough cleaning, it does allow for a relationship to be established.
It also serves to help your child’s dentist identify any potential problem areas early on as well as offer helpful tips to ensure you know how to properly care for their developing smile.
Why Is It Necessary to Keep Baby Teeth in Place?
One oral health tip many parents do not find quite as important is the idea of keeping baby teeth firmly in place as long as possible. While it might seem silly to pay careful attention to these teeth, especially since they will fall out anyway, the reality is that they serve as placeholders for your child’s permanent teeth.
If these pearly whites are lost too early, it can potentially cause dental drift, which means nearby healthy teeth will shift and try to fill in the vacated area. This can lead to necessary orthodontic treatment in the future. Should a tooth come out too early, you will need to speak to a dentist about a space maintainer to keep healthy teeth from shifting.
Why Should Children Drink More Water?
Apart from water keeping your child hydrated throughout the day, which is essential for these busy and on-the-go little ones, it also helps to encourage proper saliva production. When enough saliva or liquid is in the mouth, it works to flush out bad oral bacteria and food particles. The saliva isn’t your child’s mouth also neutralizes acids that are known to break down tooth enamel.
Instead of letting them sip on juice boxes, sodas, or energy drinks, fill up their water bottles with H2O.
While these are only three of the many ways you can help your child maintain better oral health this month, keeping these helpful tips in mind will ensure their smile remains healthy and beautiful year-round.
About the Author
Dr. Mohammed Mansour has more than 25 years of experience in dentistry and enjoys treating individuals of all ages. When working closely with young ones, he and his team offer fun, exciting, and comprehensive services designed to encourage good oral hygiene. For those who are young and require additional assistance when brushing and flossing, he offers helpful tips to make the process easier, more enjoyable, and memorable so that good habits begin early and carry on into adulthood. Visit our website or call us at (972) 423-3322 to learn how we can help.