Dental care should be a top priority for your child’s overall health. Indeed, caring for teeth and gums from an early age can do wonders to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other various dental problems down the road. Along with steps you will want to take at home, you will also want to establish regular visits with your dentist at MidTown Dental Care in Milwaukee. In addition to that, when deciding what to prioritize when it comes to dental care for kids, keep at least these few tips in mind.
They Should Start Coming To Dental Appointments At A Young Age
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children first visit their dentist when their first baby teeth emerge or at least once before the age of one. Basically, you will want to book an appointment at the time at which either of these events occurs first. Establishing a dentist at this young age and continuing to attend regular appointments will allow for the diagnosis and treatment of any issues as soon as they arise.
In addition to setting a child’s first dental appointment in a timely manner, you will also want to establish regular visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings. These continued consultations will help us keep an eye on your child’s oral health as well as make timely recommendations as they grow.
They Need To Be Acclimated To The Dentist’s Office
Many children may be uncomfortable or even frightened when they first attend a dental appointment, just as they may be at other medical assessments. However, there are a variety of ways to help a child establish a positive perspective on the dentist’s office, and it all starts with their first visit. At MidTown Dental Care, we work hard to make your child as comfortable as possible at our office when they attend their pediatric dental appointments. We teach them about the different dental gadgets and help them understand the importance of ongoing dental care.
They Should Brush Everyday
As soon as your child’s first tooth emerges, you will want to start brushing or cleaning every day. As children age, you will want to teach them about brushing habits. Flossing will also become important when your child’s teeth start to touch one another. At that point, they should be brushing and flossing every day as the start of a highly beneficial lifelong process. These daily activities will help prevent food buildup and the development of cavities or the breakdown of tooth enamel. Be sure to ask your dentist for more habits to establish with your child for good dental health.
Choose The Right Toothbrush
Before you start to brush their teeth, it will be important to choose the right toothbrush for your child. The brush should be the correct size and shape for your child’s mouth, and generally will be one made specifically for children. These toothbrushes will generally be better suited to children as well as more fun for them to use. They may have more fun designs and colors along with a wider grip for their hands. Be sure also to replace your child’s toothbrush at least every three months or when the bristles start to fray or break down.
Limit Sugary Drinks & Snacks
As your child continues to grow, it will be important to keep sugary treats to a minimum in order to avoid tooth decay and cavities. Regularly consuming a lot of sugary foods and drinks can have a variety of other health benefits for growing children, so it is a good practice to establish from a young age. You can limit the number of sugary foods and beverages you keep in the house as well as make sure your child is drinking water regularly throughout the day, which can help curb sugar cravings.
See Your Dentist For The Best Dental Care For Kids
No matter if it’s the first appointment for your kid, their annual exam, or the first one after a gap, it is probably time to bring them in for an appointment! Let the dental professionals at MidTown Dental Care answer your questions about teaching your child to properly brush and floss and what toothbrush to choose. And let us help your child come to see oral health as an empowering daily activity. We know that dental care for kids doesn’t have to be boring or tedious! Request a pediatric dentistry appointment with us today.
