1. Schedule Regular Check-Ups
Ensure that you take your child for a consultation by their first birthday. Early preventive care will save you a lot of money in the long run. Regular visits to your pediatric care specialist will help to avoid dental problems like gum disease or cavities, which may require long and expensive treatments.
2. Consistently Reinforce Good Dental Habits
Brushing is important from the beginning. Before your baby’s teeth start to grow, you can gently brush their gums. Use water on a baby toothbrush or a soft and clean washcloth to clean their gums. When your baby’s teeth start appearing, brush twice a day with a baby toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
3. Cut Back on Processed Juices
Many of us believe that packaged juices are a healthy choice for a drink, but the concentration of sugar in them can lead to tooth decay problems. Ensure that your child doesn’t have more than four ounces a day of 100% fruit juice. Give your little ones non-sugary drinks and try to use juice only as a treat if necessary. Check out this article from Healthline for additional info on which drinks to avoid.
4. See What Your Kids Put in Their Mouths
The mouth of a newborn won’t contain the bacteria that can cause cavities. However, food contaminated by little toys and objects your baby puts in the mouth can transmit bacteria. We know the little ones are very prone to putting items that are within their reach inside their mouth – it’s crucial to make sure that unwanted things are not going near them, specifically stuff that might be hazardous, contains germs and bacteria.
5. Be a Good Role Model
Children love to imitate their parents – aren’t we their first role models after all? Show them how important oral health is by making sure you practise impeccable dental hygiene. Make brushing teeth a fun activity and adopt an encouraging and positive attitude while doing so!
Let Heritage Dental Centre Help
The dentists at Heritage Dental Centre are trained in all aspects of treating oral problems in children. We can help you in deciding the dental treatment plan that is best for your loved ones. Let us help with taking care of your little one’s teeth with our team of highly skilled pediatric dentists! Check out our article with tips on taking care of your kids’ teeth.
Questions? Concerns? Call us today for pediatric care in South Edmonton!
