12 Secrets For Raising Cavity Free Children
By Dr. R. Glenn Reese
If you have kids, you know that introducing them to new things can be fun, challenging, exciting, frustrating, and so much more all at the same time. This report is intended to help you get your children started out early with some good dental health habits.
Back when I was a kid, we grew up almost expecting to have civilities and when we went to the dentist it was often an unpleasant experience. However, that is not the case anymore! Times have changed!
Today, in our society, there are benefits that we didn’t have when I was younger. One of the great benefits is that kids today are growing up with fluoride in the water. People are becoming more aware of hygiene; parents are becoming more aware that they need to bring their kids to the dentist. We know much more about the causes of dental diseases as well as how to prevent them. And technology has made the trip to the dentist simpler, less stressful, and often fun! Below are some tips that might be helpful in keeping your child cavity free.
1- Begin cleaning your baby’s mouth with a clean gauze pad the first week the child is home from the hospital even though they have no teeth yet. This way, when they do have teeth they will be accustomed to the process. This will ensure clean, healthy gums and teeth when they do come in.
2- By starting early, your baby is more likely to accept you cleaning their teeth later, when it is necessary to prevent tooth decay. Incorporate a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste into the routine by the time your child reaches 18 months of age, or at the time his or her first molars come in.
3- Your child’s first visit to the dentist should be around the age of three or four years. If there are concerns earlier, I would recommend seeking the care a pediatric dentist. The dentist can make sure your child’s dental development is proceeding normally with checkups every six months thereafter. Although baby teeth will eventually fall out, they are very important to your child’s dental development. That is because the muscles of the mouth and jaw form around the foundation laid by the first set of teeth.
4- Stop your child’s thumb sucking habits before his or her permanent teeth come in or by the age of six. Sucking on a thumb or even a pacifier is a natural and satisfying behavior for babies. However, the habit can alter the position of the baby’s developing teeth and jawbones if it continues after the permanent teeth begin to erupt. Fortunately, the damage is usually self-correcting, unless your youngster continues the habit past the age of six. If you are having trouble getting your child to stop sucking his or her thumb, your dentist may be able to offer some ideas.
5- Make sure your child gets the benefits of the latest in cavity prevention, including fluorides and sealants.
6- Have your dentist apply a sealant to protect the biting surfaces of the molars. These are generally applied when the adult molars first come in around the age of six, but can also be applied to the baby teeth. Sealants are nearly 100 percent effective in preventing cavities on the biting surfaces of molars, the most cavity-prone area of the mouth. They are considerably less expensive than the cost of a filling, and can be applied quickly and painlessly.
7- Do not give your child a bottle with juice or milk at night. If your child must have a bottle at bedtime, use water or try a pacifier instead. Juices, milk and anything with sugar or acid will only feed the plaque resulting in more cavities.
8- If you live in a community were there is no fluoride in the drinking water, ask your pediatrician or dentist about fluoride supplements.
9- By seeing your dentist regularly, any abnormalities in tooth or jaw development can be identified early. Many of these problems, when diagnosed early, are much easier and simpler to treat. Crowded teeth or teeth not in correct alignment can be more difficult to keep clean and also lead to other problems if not treated in a timely manner.
10- Most dental problems evolve because bacteria (found in the plaque that forms on teeth) turn the sugars (found in most foods) into acids and the acids cause dental decay and other problems. Often foods and drinks (soft drinks for example, diet or regular) contain their own acids. Your dentist or dental hygienist can provide guidance regarding diet and its effect on the dental health of your whole family.
11- You need to help a child under 6 brush their teeth. Studies show that children under 6 do not have the dexterity to do a good job. One great strategy if you have a child who likes to do everything on their own is to let them do it first. Then say that it’s Mommy or Daddy’s turn. I know that there are children who will fight you on brushing. There is no easy answer on how to handle it. Some children need help or at least supervision even at older ages.
12- Finally, the most important thing to realize is that children learn the behavior they observe. So, the reality is that your dental health is just as important as your child’s. When was the last time you had your dental check-up and cleaning?
I hope this report has been educational and helpful. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment for our Healthy Teeth Check-up, please call 770-429-8989.
I also have other free reports about cosmetic dentistry, dental makeovers, and questions to ask when choosing a new dentist. I hope you will consider joining our dental family. Feel free to share this information with your family and friends. We always welcome new patients!
So call now to speak with one of our friendly and helpful staff. They will be happy to answer your questions or schedule an appointment to visit our office.
770-429-8989
2320 Baker Road
Acworth, Ga. 30101
Dr Reese for your Kennesaw Dentist and Acworth Dentist
