A Kid Friendly Dentist Gives 3 Cavity Prevention Tips for Parents

A kid friendly dentist knows that it is about more than just the baby teeth. Caring for your child’s baby teeth will help prevent later oral health issues. This can also help to reduce gum disease. Keep reading to find out more about how you can care for the teeth of your children.

Learn the basics of brushing

Before the child’s first tooth comes in, parents can start helping keep the mouth clean. One option is to wipe the baby’s gums at least twice a day. A soft, clean cloth should be used after each feeding. The bacteria can enter the mouth when the child has milk or formula.

The right oral hygiene steps will prevent bacteria from staying in the area. Parents should also take care of themselves to set a good example. As the teeth start to come in, they need to be brushed for two minutes each day. Toddlers might not be able to go the full time, and it is okay.

A bit of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice should be used until the age of 3. Then the parent can switch to a pea-size amount. Parents still need to monitor the children and remind them not to swallow it. It might take some time to find the right kind of toothpaste that the child likes. A kid friendly dentist might recommend using a fun toothbrush to make it more fun.

Having a healthy diet

The child should not have foods that are high in starch and sugar. That includes chips, crackers, and sugary foods. The more sugar is there, the more acid is produced on the teeth. Just drinking an acidic or sugary beverage can cause effects for the next 20 to 30 minutes. The mouth’s pH drops, causing demineralizing of the enamel. The bacteria can then feed and create more acid.

The parent should not leave the child with a bottle in the mouth. The formula or milk can stay on the teeth for a longer time. As the children get older, it is a good idea to supervise the use of juice and acidic drinks. It is better for children to drink at mealtime and not throughout the day.

The importance of regular dental visits

One way that parents can establish a foundation of good oral hygiene is through regular dental visits. The trips should start when the child has the first tooth. The first visit should be no later than the age of 1. That is important for maintaining good oral health. It lets the kid friendly dentist see how the teeth are developing.

Make an appointment with a kid friendly dentist today

It is never too early to start focusing on oral hygiene with your children. That will help them to develop healthy habits throughout their lives. It will also save them from the pain of a cavity. Making an appointment with a kid friendly dentist is your first step.

Request an appointment here: https://smilesonmichigan.com or call Smiles On Michigan at (312) 509-9492 for an appointment in our Chicago office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.