As a parent, it’s important to understand the basics of dental care for your kids. When should you start brushing their teeth? What type of toothpaste should you use? How often should they see the dentist? Oral health is crucial for overall health and wellbeing, so it’s important to make sure that you are providing your child with the best possible care.
That’s why we’ve taken the time to discuss some common dental problems in children and what parents can do to prevent them. If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Phoenix, we can help you and your family! Just read on for what parents should know about dental care for kids.
How should parents care for a child’s teeth when the teeth start coming in?
It’s important to start taking care of your child’s teeth as soon as they start coming in. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush and water to gently brush their teeth. Even before teeth start coming in, you can wipe your child’s gums with a clean cloth to remove food or milk residue.
It’s important not to use too much pressure, as this can damage the enamel. You can also use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste if your child is old enough to spit it out, otherwise, start with just water.
Modeling good dental habits can also help. Start by showing your kids how you brush your own teeth to help them get interested.
Tips for brushing baby teeth
As soon as your child has a tooth, plaque can begin building up on its surface. To promote lifelong dental health, get your kids in the habit of brushing twice a day, in the morning and before bed.
To teach kids to brush their teeth, start by applying a thin coat of toothpaste to an infant toothbrush – about the size of a grain of rice. Brush their teeth at a 45-degree angle in a gentle, circular motion for about two minutes. Once your child is three-years-old, you can increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized amount.
Try to make brushing fun – you can play a song that lasts about two minutes to pass the time. Starting positive habits early promotes healthy smiles!
When should your child first see a dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association recommend that children see a dentist by their first birthday. This is because dental problems can begin early, and it’s important to catch them early so that they can be treated effectively.
Most parents find it easy enough to remember to schedule a dental visit around their child’s first birthday. However, if your child begins teething early and has a lot of teeth, you can always bring them in earlier.
What to expect at your child’s dentist appointment
At your child’s first dentist appointment, the dentist will usually do a visual exam. They will look at your child’s teeth and gums to check for any problems. They may also take x-rays to get a better view of the teeth and identify any issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye.
Your dentist may speak to you about oral hygiene and give you tips for preventing tooth decay. Depending on your child’s age, they may apply topical fluoride.
What are the most common dental problems in children?
The most common dental problem in children is cavities. Cavities happen when bacteria build up on the teeth and form acids that eat away at the enamel. This can cause pain, sensitivity, and eventually tooth decay if not treated.
Cavities can be caused by sugary foods and even breastmilk. Baby teeth aren’t as strong as adult teeth and can develop cavities easily.
Another common dental problem in children is gum disease. Gum disease happens when plaque builds up on the gums and causes them to become inflamed. This can lead to bleeding, swelling, and pain. If not treated, it can eventually lead to tooth loss.
The risk of tooth decay in baby teeth
The risk of decay in baby teeth is higher than you might think. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20% of children between the ages of 5 and 11 have at least one untreated decayed tooth. If a child experiences a great amount of decay in their baby teeth, this can lead to problems with their adult teeth later on.
Other oral health issues to look out for
There are a few other oral health issues that you should be aware of, such as:
Mouth sores
These can be caused by infection, trauma, or allergies. They usually go away on their own, but if they last longer than two weeks, you should see a dentist.
Jaw problems
If your child has difficulty chewing or swallowing, this could be a sign of a problem with the jaw. You should see a dentist if you notice any changes in your child’s mouth.
Tongue tie
This is when the tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too tight. This can cause difficulty breastfeeding, and you should see a dentist if you think your child may have a tongue tie.
Why is Pediatric Dentistry important?
Pediatric dentistry is important because it helps children maintain healthy teeth and gums. It also helps them develop good dental hygiene habits that they can carry with them into adulthood.
How does oral health impact general health and wellbeing?
Oral health is important for overall health and wellbeing because it can impact a person’s ability to eat, speak, and socialize. It can also affect a person’s self-esteem and confidence. Additionally, poor oral health has been linked to other medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory problems.
When do kids get their permanent teeth?
Most children will start to lose their baby teeth around age six and will have all of their permanent teeth by age 12. It’s important that children begin practicing good dental health habits from a young age to ensure they don’t have problems with their baby teeth or their permanent teeth.
Finding a pediatric dentist in Phoenix for your child’s oral health
There are many pediatric dentists in Phoenix who can provide care for your child and make sure they maintain good oral health – but you deserve to work with a team that truly cares. At 19th Ave. Dental Care, our experienced dentists are ready to treat your whole family, from childhood through adulthood!
We know that it’s important to parents that their family dentist is experienced and has a good reputation. You should feel comfortable communicating with your dentist about your child’s oral health needs, which is why we know you’ll feel at ease with our whole team.
We hope this blog post helps you understand the basics of dental care for kids! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of family and pediatric dentists in Phoenix.