The month of February is Children’s Dental Health Month. This is probably not a coincidence, with Valentine’s Day (and candy!) being in February as well. We all want our children to be healthy, and dental health is a big part of overall health. Here are some tips to help your kids have healthy teeth.
Did you know that a newborn’s twenty primary teeth are present at birth? Even before you r baby has teeth you can gently wipe the gums with a sterile gauze pad to help remove plaque. When the first teeth start coming in, you can purchase a special toothbrush for babies and gently brush the teeth with water.
To avoid early tooth decay, make sure your infant finishes any bottle feedings before bedtime. Avoiding beverages with sugar, like juices, also protects against decay. Your baby should stop using a bottle around 12-15 months of age. Sucking on a bottle as they get older can also cause overbites.
After your baby gets teeth, you should brush with a tiny bit of toothpaste, twice a day. Kids between three and six years old should be supervised while brushing. Use fluoride toothpaste and help them brush twice a day. Supervise them until you are sure they can brush on their own. Once they have two teeth that touch, you should help them floss daily.
Start your dentist visits around one year of age. You may want to go to a pediatric dentist so your child would be more comfortable. Pick the time of day that your child is most rested. When your child gets used to regular dental visits (normally every six months), they should not mind making that trip.
Once all of your child’s permanent teeth come in, your dentist may recommend sealants. Sealants are usually applied to the back (chewing) teeth. These sealants act as a barrier and protect those teeth. After a few years they may need to be reapplied, but your dentist will make a recommendation after each checkup visit.
As your children grow into teenagers there are some other concerns. Teens may not always eat healthy, so provide healthy and low-sugar snacks. Hopefully the habits they learned growing up, will stick with them, but reminding them to floss may be a good idea. Most schools require a mouthguard when playing sports, so make sure your teen always has it available and uses it. They may also want to start seeing an adult dentist, but that is a decision you can make together.
Starting early with good dental health will set your children up to be comfortable with the dentist. These early habits should continue as your kids grow, and help them have great oral health for the rest of their lives.
My boys love going to the dentist. It makes me happy!
I loved going to the dentist when I was little. My favorite part was the flouride that tasted like bubblegum.
I love how your model is so happy in that chair! you are right we do need to be after oral health. It is so important not only for teeth and gums but other health prevention reasons
It’s a great idea to get the little ones off to a healthy start even before their teeth come in. It will make a huge difference!
Interesting tips on infant gum care. I never knew that. My girls are going to the dentist today, believe it or not. Fingers crossed, no cavities.
Good information here! I was just at the dentist earlier this week. Blech. LOL
My daughter just had her appt in January! It’s so important to teach dental health.
Dental health is so important, especially if you’re genetically prone to bad teeth. I didn’t know that using a bottle could eventually cause an overbite. Good thing my kids went off it on time!
As a child I didn’t mind the dentist at all I was really lucky to have some great dentists who really helped. I’m not so keen on it as an adult though. x
Dental health is so important. I’m glad my kids enjoy going. My teeth give me nothing but grief and i can’t stand It!
I started both of my sons early with their dental care and dental health routine and it has really paid off. They are both adults now and neither one has a cavity. I certainly wish I could say the same.
I was fortunate with my son – he never had an issue – except with each teething period – for myself it was another story – so I sure agree with your points
Dental care is so important- I’m glad our kids like going.
Starting early is a must to instill good dental health habits.
instilling great dental habits as early as possible is very important!
Dental health is so important, I always make sure to book the appointments almost every month!
I need to get my kids back into the dentist as well. My 8 yaer old always has a blast there!
My kids actually like to go. They have an appointment for a cleaning next week and can’t wait. It’s probably because they like the free toys they get at the end lol!
Thank you for the reminder! I need to get my kids in for checkups!
Before my mommy days I was a dental assistant. It is so important to have your children take care ot their teeth at an early age!