February marks National Children’s Dental Month, which is dedicated to bringing together hundreds of dedicated dental professionals and educating the public on the importance of children’s oral health.
Here are six easy tips to help your child develop good habits at an early age:
1. Eat healthy snacks to fight off acids:
Did you know that in prehistoric times, children did not get cavities because they did not have sugar in their diet? Although cutting out sugar completely is a little unrealistic in today’s times, providing children with health foods with high protein in replacement of sugary snacks could drastically improve their oral health. Acids from sugar can destroy tooth enamel and cause cavities in children. Some suggestions for healthier snacks alternatives include:
- Vegetables
- Peanut butter
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Fruits
2. When teeth emerge, so should oral care habits:
Teeth should be cleaned as soon as they emerge. For infants, AAPD recommends using a pee size amount of toothpaste once the baby’s first tooth appears and applying the toothpaste using a clean finger. As the child gets older, you can graduate to a children’s toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Every 3 to 4 months, make sure to replace the tooth brush to prevent signs of wear and accumulated bacteria.
3. Fluoride, fluoride, and more fluoride:
Fluoride is the “superhero of cavities” and is equally as important for children’s oral health as it is for adults. In fluoride, minerals help strengthen the tooth enamel to resist all acids in the mouth that cause tooth decay and cavities. Fluoride can be in toothpastes, rinses, and gels, and even in water supplies. Make sure that oral care products you have at home contain fluoride to get an extra boost of strength when brushing.
4. Visit the dentist early:
Dr. Dougherty and Dr. Adhikari recommend bringing children in by 1 year old for an initial visit and staring regular visits beginning at 2 years old. At the visit, the dentist can check the growth of their teeth and how their teeth are developing. This is a great preventive measure and will allow you to ask any questions you may have about infant oral care. Additionally, this visit can help get your baby acclimated to the dental office to prevent any phobias for the dentist in the future.
5. Brush teeth twice a day for two minutes:
As important as it is for adults, it is vital that children brush their teeth twice a day. It is recommended to brush once in the morning and once at night, to clean acids and food off teeth to prevent tooth decay. It is imperative to brush for at least two minutes each time, focusing on the back molars where cavities often develop first. An easy (and fun) way to teach the two-minute rule with children is to purchase a small sand timer, that way you both know when the two minutes of brushing is up!
6. Sealants for children:
Sometimes it’s hard to reach areas when brushing and flossing. Sealants are a way to prevent missing any spots, especially in the hard to reach places in the back of the mouth. They provide a thin and protective coat on teeth that adheres to the chewing surface and have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. This is not a substitute for flossing and brushing but can help provide an extra layer of protection for the child’s teeth.
If you ever have questions about children’s oral health, contact our front office at Artistic Dental to schedule an appointment or to bring your child in for an initial visit.