The Smile Daily

How to Set Your Kids Up for Lifelong Dental Health

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. It’s a great reminder for parents and kids alike of the importance of pediatric dental care.

It may surprise you to learn that tooth decay is the most common childhood chronic disease in the country. In fact, more than half of kids between six and eight years old have had a cavity in their primary, or baby, teeth. While a little cavity might not sound like a big deal, poor dental health is actually linked to higher rates of missed days and lower performance at school. Healthy teeth matter more than you might think!

Luckily, a few simple steps can go a long way toward preventing cavities. Instilling great habits in your children now can set them up for a lifetime of dental health. Here are some practical tips to keep your kids smiling for years to come.

1. Wipe your baby’s gums after feeding

Even before your child’s first tooth pokes through,  you can set them up for success with a simple oral hygiene routine. Use a damp, clean washcloth to gently wipe your baby’s gums once or twice each day. This simple practice only takes a few seconds, but it’s effective. Wiping your baby’s gums reduces harmful bacteria in the mouth and gets him ready for a daily brushing routine.

Once your baby gets his or her first tooth, it’s a good idea to clean the tooth or teeth at least once a day with a gentle baby toothbrush.

If your baby puts up a fight when you brush, try offering the toothbrush as a bathtime toy. Once your child has had a chance to explore the toothbrush on her own, she might be more likely to let you brush her teeth.

2. First appointments for first birthdays

We love our youngest patients at Norge Dental Center! As a general guideline, we recommend scheduling your child’s first visit to our office by the time they turn one. Most kids have at least a few tiny teeth by this point, so it’s a great time to schedule a checkup.

For kids’ first trips to the dentist, we offer “Happy Visits.” These low-stress appointments give your child a chance to experience our office in a fun and engaging way. During the appointment, we introduce kids to our friend Douglas, the tooth fairy’s favorite pet monster.  He helps kids learn how to take care of their teeth.

3. Avoid crib snacks and drinks

One of the easiest ways to prevent cavities is to make sure your kids brush their teeth before bedtime. For children over age three, be sure to use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, which also helps fight cavities.

Try not to offer a snack or drink for your child to munch on or sip in bed. The sugars in foods and drinks will sit on the teeth throughout the night, feeding bad bacteria that cause tooth decay.  Even healthy drinks, like milk, aren’t good to sip over a long period of time.

Instead, encourage your kiddos to finish up their bottles or snacks before they go to bed. If your child is used to a nighttime drink, opt for water instead of milk or juice.

4. Offer fluoridated water

You’ve probably heard of fluoride before, but perhaps you didn’t know just how important it is for kids. This naturally occurring mineral fights cavities by strengthening tooth enamel. When kids take in fluoride, their bodies incorporate it into the structure of their teeth as they form. This means stronger, more cavity-resistant teeth!

Ask your doctor before using fluoridated water in your baby’s bottle as too much fluoride can be harmful. For older children, however, fluoridated water offers a safe amount of the super mineral. Most people in the U.S. already have fluoride in their tap water.  If you’re not sure whether your water at home includes fluoride, reach out to your water supplier or local health department.

5. Encourage healthy eating

Sugar feeds bad bacteria—the kind that causes cavities. You can help your child avoid tooth decay by limiting sugary foods and encouraging well-rounded eating. Healthy fats, proteins, and vegetables are all great options to promote happy teeth.

Plus, as any pediatrician will tell you, healthy food benefits more than just your kids’ teeth. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins all provide the building blocks kids need to grow healthy and strong.

Conclusion

We all want the best for our kids! With a few simple habits, you can set your children up for a lifetime of oral health. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way.

In addition to these ideas, you’ll also want to make sure your kids get into a great dental hygiene routine. This includes brushing their teeth for about two minutes twice per day and flossing once per day. Don’t forget to schedule regular dental hygiene appointments, too. One visit every six months is recommended for most kids and adults.

Remember, it will be a lot easier for your children to take care of their permanent teeth if they’re already used to taking care of their baby teeth. Start them young and know the time you invest in teaching healthy dental habits pays off!

Ready to schedule your child’s next or first-ever dental appointment? We can’t wait to welcome you and your family to our office soon! Contact us to schedule a visit at a time that’s convenient for you.