As a parent, it’s your responsibility to make sure your child is as healthy and happy as possible — and this includes caring for your child’s dental health, as well!
However, many parents forget the importance that good dental health and hygiene habits have for children. In fact, a 2014 study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists found that by age 5, 60% of children in the U.S. will have experienced tooth decay to some degree!
Childhood tooth decay has a number of less-than-desirable consequences, from infections to difficulty chewing to even malnutrition. As such, helping your young child develop healthy dental hygiene habits early on is crucial. Here are three of the best ways to make sure your child’s teeth are healthy for many years to come:
Teach good habits early
Showing your child how to brush correctly can go a long way in cutting down plaque and tartar buildup on his or her baby teeth. Ensure he or she is brushing for at least two minutes at a time with a good-quality toothbrush and toothpaste and isn’t brushing too vigorously. Brushing your teeth alongside your son or daughter can help reinforce this!
Avoid sugary foods and drinks
Some of the worst foods and drinks for your teeth — candy, soda and fruit juices — are also some of the most heavily-marketed products to kids. To protect your child’s dental health, set a limit on the amount of sugar-laden food and drink he or she can eat — usually one treat a day is fine.
Start dental visits early
Did you know that your child’s first pediatric dentist visit should take place by the time he or she is 1 year old — or within six months of his or her first baby tooth appearing? Baby teeth are just as important to a child’s dental and overall health as your child’s permanent teeth will be. Regular dental cleanings and check-ups with a family dentist from an early age can help reduce any anxiety he or she feels about the dentist and keep your child’s teeth as healthy as they ought to be.
Do you agree with these tips? Have any other advice for your fellow parents on looking for a dentist office for kids? Share with us by leaving a comment below!
