Children's
Oral Health Explained
When considering their children’s oral health, cavity prevention is
not the only worry for parents. Studies indicate that periodontal (gum)
disease continues to plague millions of American each year, including
children! Here's how you can protect your child from these risks.
The best way to ensure that your child doesn't fall prey to cavities
or gingivitis is to teach proper oral habits early on, between 3 and
4 years of age when most children have their primary teeth or as soon
as there is a suspicion of any dental problem. Good oral hygiene habits
should be practiced as early as infancy and maintained throughout life.
Dr. Dueñes Recommends These Tips:
Even before teeth begin to protrude, clean your baby's gums after each
feeding with a water-saturated baby washcloth or sterile gauze pad to
stimulate the gum tissue and remove lingering food. When the baby's
teeth begin to protrude, gently brush them with a small, soft-bristled
toothbrush using a marble-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
By age two to three, you can begin to educate your child about proper
brushing techniques. Keep in mind that you should follow up with brushing
and gentle flossing until they reach age six to seven, this is when
the child has the ability to do it alone.
Schedule regular oral health appointments with Mira Costa Dental beginning
your child's third to fourth birthday. Your dentist will check for cavities
in the primary teeth and watch for any other potential problems. This
should also help create a positive experience that may outweigh fear
at future visits.
Encourage and listen to your child when discussing any fears they may
have about visits to the dentist, but try not to include the words 'hurt'
or 'pain'. By saying "it will not hurt you" affirms (in the child's
mind) the chance of pain when visiting the dentist.
Ask your dentist about "safe" sealant products that protect
the chewing areas of your child's teeth. Also be sure to ask about "baby
bottle tooth decay", which occurs when a child's teeth are regularly
exposed to liquids containing sugar for extended periods of time.
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