Watching your child play and grow is fun, but carries a bundle of responsibility. You don’t hesitate to take your child for check-ups with the pediatrician for overall health, but just as necessary to your child’s good health is taking care of their teeth. Around the age of twelve months your child should have their first visit with their pediatric dentist.
Your child’s teeth begin forming in the womb even though they usually don’t erupt until around four to six months. Their baby teeth serve them for years laying the groundwork for their permanent teeth to emerge. Taking care of your child’s primary teeth is critically important even though eventually they will be replaced with permanent teeth.
The first dental appointment is usually made up of a quick exam looking for any areas of concern. This is also a perfect opportunity to become educated about your child’s oral health. Early regular dental visits will allow children to become acclimated to the sights, sounds, and smells of the dental office. By the time they are ready for their first “official” cleaning, they will be comfortable with their surroundings.
Things you can do to support great dental health for your child include:
When baby teeth begin to erupt, wipe them clean with a soft cloth daily. Only allow water in a bottle your child will take to bed. Formula, milk, or juice can allow sugar and acids to cling to teeth during periods of sleep.
As your child grows, teach them how to brush and floss. This will take your hands-on attention for years. Even when your child has achieved the right coordination to brush and floss independently, continual reminding is needed to make sure they are following through. Let your child watch you brush and floss … example is a great teacher.
Keep regular dental appointments. Your pediatric dentist can provide fluoride treatments to strengthen dental enamel. There are dental sealants available that are applied to the surfaces of teeth unaffected by decay that block bacteria from gathering in the nooks and pits naturally present on teeth.
Provide a healthy diet and limit sugary snacks and beverages to special occasions.
Healthy teeth and gums are important for overall health. Don’t wait until your child requires dental correction – be proactive to safeguard their dental health.
To schedule a cleaning with our caring team,contact us at Richardson Dentistry today!
