A lifetime of good oral health begins in childhood. Unfortunately, many children suffer from tooth decay, which can lead to serious oral health problems as they grow up. To help ensure that your child grows up with healthy teeth, preventative measures have to be taken.
Preventative dentistry is the core of what we do at Children’s Dentistry. It’s much easier to prevent tooth decay in children than it is to treat more complicated issues.
When to Begin Preventative Dentistry
Caring for your child’s teeth begins during pregnancy. A mother’s diet while pregnant contributes to the development of the child’s teeth in the womb. After your baby is born, parents should clean their baby’s gums regularly, and a baby’s teeth should be gently brushed as soon as they start to erupt. You should make your child’s first dental appointment before they turn one.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay
To help avoid tooth decay in children, the most important step to take is proper tooth brushing. When your child is young, brush their teeth for them. As they grow older, worth with their dentist to help teach them proper tooth brushing techniques.
Diet also has a big impact on the development of tooth decay in children. Sugar feeds the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease, so limiting the amount of sugar in your child’s diet will help keep them in good oral health. Avoid giving your child sugary juices, candy, and soda, and don’t let them go to bed with a bottle.
For professional preventative care, make an appointment with our pediatric dentists. They can perform a variety of in-office treatments to help stave off tooth decay, like fluoride treatments or dental sealants.
Schedule Your Appointment
At Children’s Dentistry, our dentists will be happy to discuss how to prevent tooth decay in children with you and your child. We always encourage new parents to bring their children to the dentist early in order to establish a positive relationship with the dentist and set them on a path towards excellent oral health. To make an appointment, contact us today.