Parenthood can be a challenging, but rewarding, experience. You’ll be taking care of your child’s overall well-being and helping them prepare to take care of themself. One aspect that you should make sure they have down is their oral health. By keeping their growing smile healthy, you can set them up for a lifetime of success. Here are five things you should know about their tiny grin.
You Can Start Their Oral Hygiene Before Their Baby Teeth Erupt
Some may assume that brushing starts when baby teeth come in, but it can start well before. It’s important to wipe their gums with a soft cloth while they are in their infancy. This will remove harmful bacteria and buildup, but it will also start to get them used to an oral hygiene routine.
Checkups Start When Their First Baby Tooth Comes In
Although baby teeth aren’t permanent, they are crucial for smile development. They help guide the adult structures, so you need to take good care of them. This means scheduling a checkup as soon as their first one appears or by their first birthday. By having that visit and consistent ones after, you can make sure everything is growing smoothly and won’t cause problems down the line.
The Most Common Dental Problem in Kids is Cavities
In the past, you might remember being told about cavities, and that importance is still placed today. This oral health issue is common in kids, so it’s crucial you help your loved one avoid it. In the U.S., one in five children between the ages of 5 and 11 has untreated decay. That number drops to one in seven for those between 12 and 19 years old.
Candy Isn’t the Only Culprit for Decay
Candy often takes the blame for cavities, but they aren’t the only reason for them. Starches, like bread and crackers, can cause them if you aren’t careful. That’s because saliva breaks down carbohydrates into sugar. This feeds the bacteria in the mouth, and they produce an enamel-dissolving acid that causes decay.
Poor Oral Health Can Affect Your Child’s Academics
As an adult, oral health issues can get in the way of work, as you need to take time off to visit the dentist. The same goes for kids, but with their schooling. In fact, The New York State Department of Health estimates that 51 million school hours are lost every year because of dental problems. Thankfully, by keeping up with their oral hygiene and checkups, you can keep your child’s growing smile in great shape.
About the Practice
At Castle Rock Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Layne Benzley and Dr. Alex Sherman. We are dedicated to helping kids in the local community build great oral health habits that set them up for success later on. By making checkups and cleanings as easy as possible, you can feel better knowing your child is in expert care. If you want to learn more about your loved one’s teeth, schedule an appointment or call our office at (303) 660-5373.