Caring For Your Child’s Dental Health: Tips From Family Dentists
If you’re like most parents, your child’s oral health is top of mind. Developing good oral hygiene habits early in life can help your children avoid tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to serious dental problems later in life. Choosing the right family dentist and establishing routine visits can also help your children feel comfortable and confident about their dental health. To help you keep your children’s smiles healthy, Caring for Your Child’s Dental Health: Tips from the best dentist in Northbrook offers some helpful advice from family dentists and other dental experts.
Begin your search for a dental clinic by asking friends, family members, co-workers, and even your primary care doctor for recommendations. Then, narrow down your options by searching online reviews for dental clinics in your area. It’s important to find a clinic that is familiar with treating kids and understands your child’s unique needs, from pediatric dentistry to fluoride treatments and more.
Your kids should begin brushing their teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush as soon as the first baby tooth appears. They should brush their teeth at least twice per day, especially after meals and before bed. If your child has trouble reaching all areas of their mouth with a toothbrush, you can give them a piece of floss to help them get to those hard-to-reach spots. It is important to supervise your children’s brushing to ensure they are doing a thorough job.
A balanced diet is essential to your child’s dental health. Encourage them to eat a variety of foods that contain calcium, phosphorous, and fluoride. These nutrients will help their teeth and bones grow strong and healthy. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks, especially those with added sugar, will also help reduce the risk of cavities.
Kids should go to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings at least once a year. These appointments are a great way to make sure that their teeth are growing and developing normally, as well as identifying any potential issues at an early stage. If your child is anxious about visiting the dentist, try bringing them along on a “trial” visit to get them used to the experience and build trust.
If your child loses a tooth, be sure to take it to the dentist right away so that the dentist can place it back in the socket if possible. If you are unable to do this, store the tooth in milk or use a special tooth preservation product to prevent infection.
Be patient with your children when it comes to brushing their teeth. It can take time for children to develop the dexterity needed to effectively brush their teeth. If your child struggles, try a soft-bristled toothbrush with an appropriate size for their mouth, and be sure to teach them proper brushing technique. You should also avoid giving your kids gum and sugar-filled candy, as these can cause cavities. And, if your child continues to suck their thumb past age 3, you should talk to their family dentist about it, as sucking thumbs can cause crooked teeth and bite problems.