Simple Tips For Caring For Your Child's Teeth From Your Mooresville Family Dentist

A child's teeth begin to develop before birth

, and this means you'll want to start caring for your child's teeth and gums at an early age. Start with a visit to your Mooresville dentist as he can administer kid friendly dental care for your child's individual needs. Starting dental care early will allow your dentist to detect problems with your child's teeth before they become problematic. Additionally, early visits allow your dentist to establish a relationship with you and your child while helping you understand how to best care for your child's teeth, including proper tooth brushing and a well-balanced diet.

Your Child's First Visit to the Dentist

According to the American Dental Association, parents should bring their child in for his or her first dental appointment by the first birthday. This allows the dentist to identify problems early and make recommendations for the best possible prevention and treatment. Many dentists specialize in treating the teeth and gums of little ones, and are best equipped to make your child feel comfortable and relaxed at each and every appointment. At the first visit, the parent and dentist can review important dental health information such as diet, tooth brushing, bottles and fluoride use.

Establish Good Habits Early

When your child's first teeth erupt you should begin cleaning them with a special child-sized tooth brush. Make tooth brushing a regular activity so that it becomes a vital part of your child's daily routine, brushing at least twice a day and after meals.

When your child is old enough, usually around the age of six or seven, teach him or her how to brush on their own. Make tooth brushing fun by doing it together, and purchase a fun-colored tooth brush and flavored tooth paste to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. Supervise your child while they are learning to brush, and provide plenty of encouragement and praise in order to establish a regular habit of diligent dental care.

Don't Forget about a Healthy Diet

A child's dental health goes beyond simple brushing and flossing. A well-balanced diet is essential to help prevent cavities and keep teeth strong. Encourage a diet for your child that is high in healthy fruits and vegetables, dairy, proteins and grains. A diet high in sugary foods and drinks significantly increases the risk of tooth decay, so limit the frequent snacking of junk food, soda and candies.

In addition, you should also limit the amount of snacks your child has between meals. The time between meals is needed so that saliva can wash away food that bacteria would otherwise thrive on. Frequent snacking provides the perfect environment for bacteria to grow which leads to cavities. Always encourage your child to brush directly following a snack when possible.

As a parent, it isn't always easy to determine the amount of dental care your child needs. But with the help of a family dentist in Mooresvile that specializes in dentistry for kids, you can ensure your child gets the best dental care for his or her teeth at every stage of development. From when to schedule a first visit to good brushing habits and proper nutrition, parents can talk to their dentist about how to best care for their child's teeth and gums.

by: Gen Wright

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