There’s this misconception of baby teeth not being very important because they’ll eventually be replaced by their permanent, adult teeth. While this may be true, it does not warrant neglect of proper care and maintenance during the beginning stages of a child’s development. Here are three things parents need to know about their child’s dental health.
1. Tooth decay starts during infancy. Putting a child asleep with a bottle, even without teeth present, can lead to early childhood caries. Always take a wet washcloth and clean up any residue from the child’s mouth after a feed.
2. Regular dental checkups are advised every 6-12 months after the eruption of the first tooth. The dental professionals will assess the child’s dental health and provide the parent with the necessary knowledge and recommendations to implement as the child progresses. Starting dental care early gets the child familiar with this practice, and increases the likelihood of the practice continuing.
3. Limit and/or avoid sugary foods. It is not so much of what is eaten, but how much. The frequency of sugar and acid consumption over time does damage to the enamel. If these foods cannot be avoided, rinse with water or brush with a fluoride toothpaste immediately afterwards to remove the sugar and prevent tooth decay.
Kids are pretty lucky— they actually do get a second chance to get it right! However, as parents, starting good habits early will positively impact a child’s dental health in the future.
You may set an appoint to visit Ms. Williams at East Dental by clicking the 1st link below.
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