Kids’ Dentist Santa Cruz

Oral Health and Your Child

Any kids’ dentist in Santa Cruz will tell you that promoting good oral hygiene habits from the start will give your child the upper hand in protecting their smile. It may seem like your child shouldn’t have to worry about oral care until their permanent teeth emerge, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Check out these five facts you should know about oral health and your child.

Your Child Needs Regular Dental Visits

Your child needs to visit their dentist for regular cleanings and exams. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your child should start visiting the dentist once the first tooth has emerged or at least by their first birthday. During these exams, your dentist can get familiar with you and your child and look for potential future issues, such as crooked teeth. The dentist can also help educate you and your child regarding questions you may have, such as tips for at-home cleaning and care.

You Need to Care for Your Child’s Gums and Teeth at Home

Even before the first teeth appear, you want to clean your baby’s gums. A damp cloth is enough to remove any plaque and bacteria. Once the first tooth appears, it’s time to start brushing. Use a toothbrush designed for kids because they are small with soft bristles. Use a small dab of fluoride toothpaste when brushing. Remember that even once your child is capable of brushing their own teeth, you should continue to monitor them to ensure they are doing it correctly.

Primary Teeth Are Important for More Than Eating and Talking

Primary teeth don’t last long, but they do make it easier for your young child to eat and talk. However, primary teeth do more. Think of them as place holders. They create a pathway that allows your child’s permanent teeth to travel. If you neglect your child’s primary teeth and severe decay causes them to fall out, this path is lost. Orthodontic treatment may be required to help the permanent teeth grow properly. If your child develops tooth infections, that can impact the development of the permanent teeth, making them weaker for life.

Severe Primary Tooth Decay Can Affect the Jaw Bone

“Baby bottle tooth decay” is a common term that refers to severe tooth decay on the upper front teeth. Basically, this occurs when the teeth are exposed to a sugary liquid for a long period of time. A sugary liquid does not necessarily mean soda or sugary juice. It can be something as basic as milk. The sugar causes decay, which may even affect the underlying jaw bone. This can affect how the permanent teeth develop, which may lead to future oral problems, such as frequent tooth decay.

A Good Diet Can Go a Long Way to Protect Teeth

It isn’t just about keeping your child’s teeth clean. Everything your child puts into his or her body affects the teeth. Eating sugary beverages like soda or consuming sugary candy and pastries is detrimental to teeth. Encourage your children to drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates and lean proteins. The best way you can get them to do this is by setting a good example. Avoid sugary drinks and foods yourself and focus on healthy meals.

Choosing a good kids’ dentist is one of the most important steps in caring for your child’s oral health, but you also have to promote healthy habits at home. For more information about dental care for kids, or for a kids’ dentist in the Santa Cruz area, contact Landmark Dental Group today.