A recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) states that only 9% of parents have knowledge of a proper at-home oral health care routine for their children. In honor of Children’s Dental Health Month, your team at Cardinal Dental Group wants to help you learn ways to prevent the leading chronic infectious disease among children in the United States ― tooth decay. Proper dental care is just as important for kids as it is for adults. If you teach your children good dental habits while they are small, they are likely to continue them once they reach adulthood. The AAPD recommends that your child visit the dentist by the time their first tooth has erupted. Below is a list of tips to care for your children’s oral health.
Do Not Put Your Baby to Bed with a Milk Bottle
Many parents put their babies to bed with a milk bottle. However, this can lead to a condition called baby bottle tooth decay or baby bottle rot. Baby bottle rot is severe tooth decay. Children with baby bottle rot often have to get those teeth pulled. That is why babies should never be put to bed with a milk bottle. If your baby cannot sleep without a bottle, use water instead of milk.
Caring for Your Baby’s Gums
Before your child’s teeth erupt, we recommend wiping your baby’s gums with a warm cloth to keep the area clean. This will help ensure that any sugars left behind from milk will be removed. This process helps your baby get used to having their mouth cleaned which can ease the transition to tooth brushing later.
Brushing
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children begin brushing as soon as their first tooth appears. Regular brushing is one of the best defenses against cavities. Your children will need to brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoridated toothpaste and a soft bristle toothbrush.
Most children will be able to brush their teeth unsupervised by the time they are six or seven years old. Until then, you can lend a helping hand during brushing times.
- Remember 2×2 ― brush 2 times a day for 2 minutes.
- Children only need to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
- Do not let your child swallow toothpaste.
- Replace toothbrushes every 6 months. If your child is sick, replace the toothbrush after they become well.
Wear a Mouthguard
If your children are involved in sports, we recommend they wear a mouthguard during games (especially contact sports). A mouthguard can prevent teeth from being chipped or from more itube apk download serious injuries that can occur during sports. Mouthguards also prevent lip, tongue, and jaw injuries. The doctors at Cardinal Dental Group can make your young athlete a custom mouthguard that is more comfortable to wear and affords greater protection than an over the counter product.
Limit Juice Drinking
Many people think that fruit juices are a great drink choice for children. However, fruit juices have been shown to increase the risk of cavities. They can also increase the risk of obesity. Children should only drink four ounces of juice per day at the most. Water is the preferred choice to stay hydrated.
If you have questions about your child’s oral health care contact our office at 936.258.5597 or learn more at www.cardinaldentalgroup.com
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