Celebrating Children’s Oral Health Month
National Children’s Oral Health Month is all February long! As a parent, you know how important it is to establish good habits at a young age. Our oral health routine is the same way. This month, Dr. Moghadam and Dr. Walbridge are sharing some ways you and your family can improve your kid’s oral health.
Baby’s First Tooth + Dental Visit
New parents often ask us, “When should my child start seeing the dentist?” Well, it’s never too soon to start working on your oral health! Many family dentists in Easton, PA, agree that parents should bring their child to the dentist before their first tooth or the first birthday arrives. During their exam, parents will be able to ask any questions and introduce their little one to our team. When the infant continues to die, the doctor will be able to track their growth and take protective steps to fix any issues with the baby’s teeth.
Protect the Baby Teeth!
Although it doesn’t seem like it, baby teeth are very important to preserving space for adult teeth. You can expect your child’s baby teeth to stick around for 8-10 years. Teeth are important because they help us speak, chew, and laugh. Baby teeth can also show the overall consistency of the child’s wellbeing. Untreated tooth decay can lead tooth infections, causing more problems later on.
Although everyday brushing is a vital part of any child’s oral hygiene regimen, bacteria that cause tooth decay can also remain between teeth where the toothbrush cannot reach. So, you’ll need to help your kids floss daily.
Baby bottle tooth decay is a dental problem that puts your baby’s oral health at risk. This happens as your child drinks the sugary liquid, and the bacteria in the mouth absorb the sugar and create the acid. This acid attacks the enamel on their teeth can cause tooth decay after continued exposure. Our friends at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, a family dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, points out that liquids that lead to baby bottle tooth decay include milk, formula, fruit juice, soda, and every other sweetened drink. If your child wants to sleep with a bottle, we recommend consulting with your dentist.
Tooth Decay in Kids
You may be surprised to learn that the ADA says that more than 40% of children have tooth decay before they enter kindergarten. Luckily, tooth decay is preventable. If you have any questions about your child’s oral health, contact Dr. Moghadam at College Hill Dental Group.
Tips to Keep The Child’s Oral Wellbeing
Our doctors are proud to serve patients in those critical years of early childhood. As family dentists, we have experience helping patients of ages. We recommend the following oral health tips to start your little ones on their path to a healthier smile.
- Schedule a checkup with your Easton PA dentist. If your child has seen a dentist for more than six months, make an appointment as soon as possible.
- Check your baby’s gums every day until the teeth continue to carefully wipe a wet washcloth over the gums to remove harmful bacteria after each meal.
- Start brushing as soon as your little one gets their first tooth.
- Brush twice a day for a minimum of two minutes. Children 2-6 years of age should use a pea-sized volume of fluoride toothpaste. Often supervise children less than six years of age when cleaning since they are more likely to ingest toothpaste.
- Start flossing as they get more teeth in.
- Follow a nutritious diet. Avoid sugary drinks and snacks!
- Don’t forget to hydrate!
- Replace your child’s toothbrush every three months or when the bristles begin to fray.
National Children’s Oral Health Month should be celebrated every day! If you or your little one is in need of dental services in Easton, PA, contact us today! We work with patients of ages and are happy to meet your little one. We hope to see you very soon.
