Kids - Baby Teeth Are Important!
Creating good healthy habits in children starts early. Parents should make sure they see a dentist regulary and are cavity free. The bacteria that causes cavitites can be passed to your kids by saliva.Your child should see a dentist when their first tooth arrives or by their first birthday. Establishing a dental home is just as important as finding the right pediatrician.
The best way to prevent risk for children’s tooth decay:
- First Tooth or First Birthday- Dental visits should start early to ensure healthy habits.
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit
- Fluoride use – Young children require fluoride to help developing teeth grow strong and it helps prevent tooth decay in older children when used on a regular basis. Check and see if your community water is fluoridated. If it isn’t, choose bottled water that is fluoridated or talk to your dentist or pediatrician about fluoride supplements. (children should not use fluoride toothpaste or fluoride rinse till they are able to spit.)
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/moms-guide-to-fluoride
- Healthy eating habits- Do not put juice or other sugary drinks in baby bottles. In fact, try to stick to water or milk. Parents should limit sugary sweets as well. Good nutrition is an important key to a health mouth!
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/nutrition
- Brush 2 times a day for 2 minutes- Creating good oral health habits like brushing twice a day is essential to healthy teeth. Help young children brush to ensure they are doing a good job. Parents should floss their children’s teeth daily as well. Once a child can spit a fluoride toothpaste can be used. Remember, only a rice sized portion of tooth paste is needed. Make sure your child does not swallow toothpaste.
https://www.2min2x.org/kids-healthy-mouths/index.html
- A few fun videos for kids:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOebfGGcjVw (Why do we brush?)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gy_gts86jM (why we have baby teeth)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcQlp4ejyZ4 (fun brushing video)