At Dental Elements, one of our priorities is to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining optimal oral health from a young age. This means that pediatric dentistry is a vital part of preventing and treating any dental issues that may arise during childhood. If your child is one year old or older, they need to visit a pediatric dentist in Millwoods. It is recommended that your child sees a pediatric dentist near you regularly once they reach the age of one or when their first teeth begin to erupt- whichever is sooner- to begin their journey of lifelong oral health.
Here are some facts highlighting the significance of taking care of your child’s oral health from a young age and some tips to help you become more involved in the process.
#1 The Most Common Pediatric Diseases are Tooth Decay and Cavities
Yes, you read that right. The most common diseases in children are tooth-related! For this reason, you must schedule regular visits with a dentist in Millwoods for your child as soon as you notice their teeth appearing or as soon as they reach their first birthday. Your child should visit the dentist at least twice a year for professional dental cleanings and checkups to ensure the early diagnosis and treatment of any dental problems that may arise.
#2 Start Oral Hygiene Early
Many people believe that they don’t need to look after their child’s mouth until their teeth have erupted; however, this is not the case. You should make sure to use a warm cloth to gently clean your child’s gums until their teeth begin to erupt. As soon as teeth are showing, use an infant toothbrush and a very small amount of child-friendly toothpaste to brush their teeth. This will keep them healthy until it is time for their first visit to a dentist near you.
#3 Get Rid of the Pacifier
Using a pacifier past the age of two can cause problems for your child’s oral health down the line. It can change their bite and cause problems such as overbite or crossbite. These conditions require extensive treatment and visits to an orthodontist to correct.
#4 Fluoride is Essential
Some parents try to keep their children away from fluoride because they mistakenly believe that it is harmful. However, having your child receive fluoride treatments is one of the most effective ways to strengthen their teeth and prevent cavities. Our team at Dental Elements recommends that your child uses fluoridated toothpaste and that they receive fluoride treatments at least once every six months.
#5 Diet is Important
The bacteria present in all of our mouths thrive off the sugars that coat our teeth when we eat and drink. For this reason, it is important to keep the number of sugary snacks you allow your child to indulge into a minimum. Feed them a good amount of fruits and vegetables, which are good for their teeth and their entire body.
Visit Dental Elements
If you are interested in learning more about how these habits and routines can enhance your child’s oral health, please contact our team at Dental Elements. We are happy to provide you with more tips and tricks to ensure your child enjoys a lifetime of optimal oral health, and we are happy to help you schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentist today!