Parenthood can be challenging, but rewarding at the same time. It’s an experience that you may not want to forget, especially as you get to watch your child grow up into someone you love even more. However, they will need to take good care of their smiles, and that responsibility will land on you until they can take over. To help you with their tiny teeth, here are five facts every parent should know.
1.) Oral Hygiene Starts Before Their First Tooth Comes In
You might wonder when you should start brushing your loved one’s smile, but it can start well before their first tooth comes in! It’s important you wipe their gums with a soft cloth during their infancy after feedings. This will remove harmful bacteria while also getting them used to an oral hygiene routine.
2.) Your Child Should Get a Checkup by Their First Birthday
Once your child’s baby teeth begin to erupt or by their first birthday, you should schedule a visit to a pediatric dentist. While the structures coming in are only temporary, they serve an important purpose. They make sure the adult ones come in properly, so having consistent visits can ensure their smile stays in great shape while also building a routine and relationship with their provider.
3.) Cavities are the Most Common Dental Problem in Kids
When you were younger, you were likely told about cavities, and you should echo that sentiment to your loved one! That’s because they are the most common dental problems in kids, with one in five children having untreated decay between the ages of 5 and 11. That number drops down to one in seven for those who are between 12 and 19 years old, but it’s still fairly prevalent.
4.) Candy Isn’t the Only Thing That Causes Cavities
While sugar is often a culprit for cavities, it’s not the only cause. Starches, like cookies and bread, can also lead to them. The bacteria in your child’s mouth can feed off carbohydrates as they get broken down, leading to cavities. Make sure you keep their diet balanced and ensure they brush to lower their risk of this dental problem.
5.) Poor Oral Health Can Affect Academics
Even as an adult, oral health issues can make you miss work, so the same applies to your loved one. You will need to take time off to bring them to their pediatric dentist. Since offices are often open during school hours, your child might miss a class or two to go. By simply taking care of their smile, you can make sure they don’t miss anything and stay on top of their academics.
About the Author
Dr. Trent Miner earned his dental degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine and completed specialty training at NYU Langone Hospital’s Pediatric Dental Residency program. With over a decade of experience under his belt, he is happy to help growing grins in the Melbourne community become stronger. With routine checkups, Dr. Miner can help your child step toward building good habits that they take into their adulthood.
If you want to know how you can take care of your loved one’s tiny teeth, schedule an appointment or call his office at (321) 378-4344.