Becoming a parent is quite a life-changing experience, filled with joy, challenges, and an abundance of new responsibilities. But with so many lifestyle changes underway, something you’ll want to keep in mind is your child’s oral health; unfortunately, this aspect of care is often overlooked early on, simply because children aren’t born with their teeth! Nonetheless, good dental care from a young age lays a foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Here are some tips from your trusted dentist to help you set up your little one’s teeth on the right course for the future.
Tip #1. Oral Hygiene Starts Early
Believe it or not, oral hygiene should begin even before the first tooth appears! You can do this by wiping your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings to remove bacteria or lingering food particles. Once the first tooth erupts, which usually happens around the 6-month mark, you can switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants, with a dab of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice.
With that in mind, you should also schedule your child’s first dental visit around their first birthday or when the first tooth erupts; this early visit helps acclimate them to the dental office, while also giving their dentist early access to monitoring their oral development.
Tip #2. Provide a Well-Balanced Diet
Healthy eating habits are not only crucial for your child’s overall health, but also their dental wellness. Consider the impact that sugary and acidic foods have on your own smile—and remember that they can be just as damaging, if not more harmful, to your kid’s developing teeth! Cavities and gum disease can target young smiles and wreak havoc if your kid is frequently exposed to unhealthy consumables.
That said, encourage a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins along with low-fat dairy products. Limit sugary snacks and beverages and persuade them to drink enough water since it’s the healthiest drink for one’s teeth and gums.
Tip #3. Lead By Example
Children often learn best through observation, meaning that if you make brushing and flossing a fun family activity and lead by example, you can encourage excellent habits! Brush your teeth with your child, demonstrating proper techniques and helping them as needed. When they’re old enough to brush independently, you can still supervise to ensure they’re doing things efficiently.
Instilling good dental habits in your child from a young age is in their best interest; by following these tips, you can help teach them the importance of self-care and encourage them to grow up with a healthy, radiant set of pearly whites!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo, the team at Sprout Dentistry for Kids of Allen has proudly served patients and families in the Allen, TX community for several years. Their practice is excited to offer a wide range of services that are certain to help set your kid up for lasting positive oral health! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for your child, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone today! Telephone: (469) 663-0098.