There’s so much to consider when raising a child, and one of the many things to be mindful of is the health of your little one’s teeth and gums. When you recognize the value of learning about children’s dentistry so you can help them avoid cavities, you are putting kids in a position to develop beautiful smiles. Keep reading to learn key facts about pediatric dental health from a dentist in Chesterfield.
Dental Care for Infants
Babies and children under the age of one are at risk of developing oral infections by drinking milk, formula, or fruit juice from their bottles frequently. A child’s mouth should be cleaned after every feeding or snack even before they have teeth to prevent infections.
Before the teeth erupt, use an infant toothbrush or soft washcloth to wipe their gums twice a day to keep them free of bacteria. As soon as your child’s first tooth appears, start brushing with a rice-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste.
First Birthday & First Dental Visit
Most new parents may not know when to take their child in for their first dental checkup. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking your child within six months of their first erupted tooth, or near them turning one year old. Your pediatric dentist will check the child’s mouth to ensure their baby teeth are growing in properly, as they are crucial to the development of adult teeth.
Tooth Decay Is the Main Culprit
Did you know tooth decay is five times more common than childhood asthma? It’s one of the most prevalent chronic conditions among kids, as more than 42 percent of children aged 2-11 will get a cavity. If left untreated, dental decay may cause serious damage to your child’s overall health. Oral infections can enter the bloodstream and lead to additional significant health problems affecting eating, speaking, playing, or learning.
Steps to Protect Young Teeth
Even though cavities are one of the most chronic childhood diseases, they can be prevented by:
- Limiting your child’s sugar intake. Offer calcium-rich snacks like cheese or plain yogurt instead of sweet treats and drinks.
- Applying dental sealants. They are a great option for children who are prone to cavities because they act as barriers that protect the teeth from decay. Consult with your pediatric dentist to determine if it’s the best choice for your child.
- Using fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water. Fluoride varnish can prevent and reverse the early stages of tooth decay.
- Making sure your child follows a proper oral hygiene regimen. They should brush their teeth twice a day and floss daily.
Help Your Child Save a Knocked-Out Tooth
It can be unsettling when a child knocks out an adult tooth, but the good news is it can be saved and reattached if proper measures are taken. You should try to reinsert the tooth into the socket and have your child hold it in place until you reach the dentist. If you’re unable to do that, you can preserve the tooth in a cup of milk or salt water. Regardless, you should schedule an emergency dental visit immediately.
Regular checkups and proper dental care are the best things you can do to keep your little one’s teeth and gums in stellar condition. Following these children’s dentistry tips can put them on the path to a healthy, beautiful smile that will last a lifetime!
About the Author
Dr. Homer Sedighi earned his dental doctorate at Washington University in St. Louis and followed with a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of Rochester. Now a board-certified pediatric dentist, he is a member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. If you’ve been looking for someone you can count on for children’s dentistry, his practice is designed just for kids, parents are welcome in treatment rooms, and having a friendly team in a safe and clean dental office is a priority for Dr. Sedighi. Schedule an appointment on his website or by calling (636) 777-7777.