One of the most challenging tasks that parents face is monitoring their child’s dental health. Unless your child has had aspirations to be a dentist from an early age, kids often aren’t able to comprehend the importance of good dental habits, so parents are left to make sure their child’s teeth are strong and healthy.
Don’t Ignore Cavities
Many think that cavities in baby teeth aren’t that big of a deal, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Even though these teeth fall out with time, it’s important that these teeth remain healthy to promote proper growth of the jaw. Early removal of these teeth can affect how the teeth and jaw growth, which could cause problems related to how a child’s jaw and mouth are structured. If cavities are ignored completely, they can lead to infections which can spread through a child’s body, which is not good.
Supervise Their Brushing Habits
Children shouldn’t be left unmonitored when brushing their teeth, as they may not brush properly without the present of an adult. Make sure they brush all the surfaces of their teeth and tongue thoroughly for at least two minutes. This will ensure that their mouth will be clean and healthy so the possibility of cavities is reduced.
Don’t Let Them Eat Sugary, Sticky or Starchy Foods
Any food that’s sticky or sugary, like candies, dried fruit, oatmeal and even chewy gummies can stick to the teeth and increase the chances of cavities. Avoiding these foods and sweets will drastically decrease the risk of your child getting cavities, which will help their mouth develop properly and spare them of any pain or discomfort associated with cavities.
Don’t Let Them Drink Sugary Drinks
Juices and sodas can also do a lot of harm to the teeth of your young child. Not only do these beverages have a lot of sugar, but they are also very acidic, which can wear away enamel and lead to cavities. This also includes sports drinks that are given to many young kids in sports, so be careful with how often your child consumes these drinks.
Schedule Dentist Visits Early
A child’s first trip to the dentist should take place shortly after their first tooth appears. Every child should have been to the dentist by their first birthday, at the very latest. This isn’t just good for your young child, it’s good for you as well. The dentist will be able to give you advice on how to best care for your child’s teeth to ensure that they grow up with great dental habits that lead to a happy and healthy smile.
The Final Word
With young children, foods and drinks with a lot of sugar should be avoided at all costs, and supervision is key to ensure your child is brushing their teeth properly. Lastly, don’t forget to schedule dental visits early and often to get professional dental care for your child.
