A family dentist plays a key role in the oral health of patients both young and old. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately one in five children between the ages of 5 and 11 have untreated cavities. There is more access to dental care than ever before, but many parents struggle with establishing effective oral care routines for their children. It is important that families know how to care for a child's teeth from birth to adulthood.
When discussing home care with parents, a family dentist encourages careful consideration of food and drinks given. Oral hygiene instructions are also important in this discussion.
One of the most obvious ways to reduce the risk of cavities in young children is to cut out sweets and candy. Parents should realize that there can be also other sources of sugar in the diet. Fruit juices are high in sugar content, and bread and pasta break down into sugars in the mouth. Parents must consider everything in the child's diet and eliminate unnecessary sugar sources. Carb-loaded snacks can be occasional treats, but it is better to stick to nutritious whole foods when possible.
When a baby or toddler does not sleep well, parents may become desperate and put them to bed with a bottle of milk or sippy cup of juice. However, this leads to an increased risk of childhood cavities. Ideally, the child should have no beverages after brushing their teeth before bed. Milk and fruit juices have sugar that will break down enamel. Because salivary flow is reduced during sleep, these beverages are even more detrimental at night.
If the child is accustomed to sleeping with a bottle or sippy cup, it can be a big transition to go without. A family dentist may recommend only putting water in it at night until the child is no longer dependent on it to sleep.
Establishing oral care routines from a young age is essential for creating good hygiene habits for life. As soon as a baby has teeth coming through the gums, the parent should use a small, soft toothbrush or rag to wipe the teeth after feeding. Babies typically begin teething at six months old, but parents can get a baby used to this sensation even earlier by wiping the gums with a washcloth during bathtime. Once the baby has teeth that are touching, the parent can attempt to floss. Often, floss picks are easier to use than traditional string floss.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Family Dentist in Coconut Grove, FL
Keeping a child healthy is one of a parent's main goals. Oral health is important for overall health, so parents should be diligent about establishing and maintaining good oral hygiene habits for young children. The CDC notes that cavities are the most common chronic disease for children. Because this is largely preventable, it is important that parents are given the right information for keeping a child's mouth healthy. For more information, a consultation with a family dentist and hygienist is recommended.
Request an appointment or call Smile at Coconut Grove at 305-423-4661 for an appointment in our Coconut Grove office.
For many people, a family dentist is the right choice for routine dental care. While this type of practice is usually equipped to handle the specific needs of pediatric patients, it is still able to provide thorough care for adults as well. Family dentists typically offer a wide variety of services in one location and…
Whether an individual has simply not been to the family dentist in a few years or switched to a new provider, a first visit can be overwhelming and possibly nerve-wracking. Knowing what to expect during the first visit and how to prepare can help ease individuals’ concerns and ensure the appointment goes as smoothly as…
When a tooth develops decay, it can be restored to normal function through a dental filling by a family dentist. Decay that does not cause pain is often discovered through routine dental visits, but sometimes cavities are symptomatic. While the type of filling recommended by the dentist depends on the location and size of the…
If your wisdom teeth have begun to emerge, it is time to speak to your dentist. When these teeth are impacted, they can have some serious effects on your oral health. It is important for you to understand the risks these teeth pose and the steps you should take. Your dentist can walk you through…
If you are thinking about wisdom teeth extraction, now might be the right time for this procedure. These third molars can create problems in the mouth, both cosmetically and for your health. It is often more sensible to take out the teeth before they ever emerge. Doing so can help you avoid many of the…