Great oral health is not something that starts once the permanent teeth have started to come up. Parents that would like to keep their kids as healthy and happy as possible will need to start with regular dental treatments and impeccable oral healthcare at home from the moment that a child is born. Here is a quick glimpse at some of the most important tips for a kid's dental care as well as some of the advanced treatment options that are now available to those that regularly visit a comprehensive dental practice.
Healthy teeth and gums begin from the moment that a child is born. Some of the foods that they eat and habits that they engage in, such as sucking on a pacifier, could permanently change the layout of their gums and their teeth. Throughout these first few years, parents should be sure to speak with their dentist as well as their primary healthcare provider in order to make sure that their child is receiving a well-balanced diet as well as developing healthy baby teeth.
Once the teeth start to come in, a pediatric dentist will be able to assist parents by teaching them the proper techniques to clean the teeth and gums before the children have the correct amount of dexterity to carry out brushing and flossing on their own. While the baby teeth do begin to develop, they will be integral step it comes to the health of the child's permanent teeth. Any serious damage to the baby teeth or gums during the childhood could lead to a lifetime of oral health problems.
Some of the most common treatments throughout these years are dental sealants, spacers, and professional teeth cleaning. These few quick and painless services will give a child the best chance at avoiding serious health problems such as malocclusion and dental caries. In between these treatments, children should also be instructed on how to properly brush and floss when they are able to carry out these habits on their own.
All parents should also speak with their dentist about the amount of fluoride that their child is exposed to. In the United States, many local and state agencies place a small amount of fluoride in the public water system. This substance is extremely important during the development of the teeth in order to create strong and durable enamel. Kids that do not receive adequate fluoride are at a much higher risk of health complications down the road. This is why many kids dentists now offer fluoride treatments that may include mouthwashes, varnishes, and foams.
Maintaining a child's oral health is one of the most important gifts that any parent can offer their children. This is why it is important to begin these treatments as early as possible for a great smile that will last throughout their lifetime.
As your Chino pediatric dentist, our dentists at Upland Dental Practice strive to provide your children with the dental treatments they need in order to help them maintain a healthy and beautiful set of teeth.