We all know the importance of taking care of our teeth. However, not everyone understands that oral health is an important part of overall wellness. In fact, when children have dental problems, it can lead to other health issues with their bodies, such as respiratory and gastrointestinal problems. Here are some tips for parents on how they can help keep their kids’ teeth stay healthy:
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children begin to clean their teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush when they are just two years old and help them get used to it by brushing their teeth each night before bedtime. Be sure that they do not bite down on the toothbrush or swallow any toothpaste. You can also ask your pediatric dentist for a toothbrush designed to be more comfortable for children.
Sometimes kids will show signs of something wrong with their mouths’ health, such as swelling in the gums or bad breath. If your child has any of these issues, be sure to talk to a fun kids dentist so that you can help them get treated as soon as possible.
Delaying treatment can lead to more serious problems such as abscesses, toothaches, and cavities. It can also lead to more pain and discomfort for your child.
While it is difficult to stop your child from having a sugary treat every now and then, you should limit their amount. This will help them stay away from developing cavities as well as other dental problems such as plaque.
If your child eats something sweet, be sure to ask them to clean their teeth thoroughly when they are done eating so that they don’t develop any cavities. Your pediatric dentist can also recommend some non-sugar gum products for you and your child to use after eating candy together.
When you’re looking for pediatric dental care, it is best to choose pediatric dentists that are near your home so that you can easily schedule appointments for your child. When you’re making a choice, check on how long the pediatric dentist has been in practice and if they are part of any pediatric dental organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. You want to make sure that the children’s dentist knows about all aspects of pediatric dentistry, including prevention planning, oral health promotion, caring for children with special healthcare needs, and behavioral issues.
If you have never been to a dentist, you might be hesitant to go once you are an adult. This means that you need to get your child used to sitting in the dentist’s chair even if they do not need any treatment done at this time. You can start by talking about what different tools and instruments look like to know what will happen when they go into the office for their regular checkups. You can also ask them questions so that they will feel comfortable talking with their dentist.
Your pediatric dentist will be able to tell you which toothpastes are right for your child’s age and what kind of toothbrush is most comfortable for them. However, if you can, let your pediatric dentist show you how to use the product in front of you so that you and your child can understand it better.
Pediatric dentistry means more than simply caring for children’s teeth; it also includes studying oral health problems related to infants and kids and developing methods for preventing such problems from occurring in the first place. A good pediatric dentist will schedule regular checkups every six months so that she can examine your child’s teeth and gums, along with providing education on proper dental hygiene.
At Dr. Camps Pediatric Dental Center, we provide thorough, personalized dental care for infants to teenagers in a friendly, family-oriented environment. If you live in Silver Spring and need dental services for your child, call us today.