Parents feel guilt over a lot of things and question their parenting countless times throughout the day. Are the kids watching too much television? Are they spending too much time in front of a touchscreen? Are they getting the nutrition they need? When your young child gets a cavity, you probably wonder if it is your fault. Well, there are many different factors that can contribute to their tooth decay. However, regardless of how well or poorly you’ve taken care of your child’s dental health in the past, now in February—National Children’s Dental Health Month—is a great time to recommit to doing better and teaching your child to care for their teeth. Here are three things you can do to promote your child’s dental health in the future.
Find a Good Children’s Dentist in Hinsdale
The right dentist can make all the difference when it comes to your child’s dental health. Find one who takes time with your child, getting to know them and helping them feel comfortable in the chair. After your child turns one year old, they should be going to the dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings. These appointments are crucial because they prevent future problems and ensure that existing problems don’t progress too far before your child gets necessary treatment.
Do Daily Oral Care
It may seem obvious, but your child needs to brush their teeth at least twice every day. Getting them to brush efficiently for two whole minutes can be a chore, but it is an important step in their oral health. There are many apps out there, such as Disney Magic Timer, Toothsavers, and Brush DJ, that can make brushing time much more fun, especially for younger children.
If you haven’t started, you should consider flossing your child’s teeth in addition to brushing. Especially for baby teeth with many spaces in between, it can seem silly to floss. But in the back of their mouth, teeth tend to be closer together, and plaque and bacteria can hide from the toothbrush’s bristles and cause a cavity. By adding this quick task to their routine, you can help prevent cavities in those hard-to-reach places.
Get Fluoride Treatments
When you bring your child for their dental checkup and cleaning, opt to have their teeth treated with fluoride. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the fluoride varnish your child gets from their dentist can prevent about 33 percent of cavities in baby teeth. When the time comes for your child’s molars to come in, ask to have dental sealants applied, which can prevent 80% cavities for up to ten years.
In the end, you would do anything to protect your child and keep them smiling, wouldn’t you? Although not all cavities can be prevented, most can be, making the time and effort you spend to protect your child’s mouth worth it. Moving forward, you can focus on implementing these healthy oral practices into their life so that you and they can enjoy their happy and healthy smile for many years to come.
About the Practice
At Brush Pediatric Dentistry, the three dentists and staff are dedicated to making dental visits a great experience for their patients. With years of experience, they follow the American Association of Pediatric Dentists and provide a “dental home” for their patients by treating them in a comprehensive, continuously accessible, coordinated, and family-centered way. To schedule an appointment with them, you can call (630) 504-2223 or click here.