A family dentist plays a key role in the oral health of patients both young and old. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately one in five children between the ages of 5 and 11 have untreated cavities. There is more access to dental care than ever before, but many parents struggle with establishing effective oral care routines for their children. It is important that families know how to care for a child's teeth from birth to adulthood.
When discussing home care with parents, a family dentist encourages careful consideration of food and drinks given. Oral hygiene instructions are also important in this discussion.
One of the most obvious ways to reduce the risk of cavities in young children is to cut out sweets and candy. Parents should realize that there can be also other sources of sugar in the diet. Fruit juices are high in sugar content, and bread and pasta break down into sugars in the mouth. Parents must consider everything in the child's diet and eliminate unnecessary sugar sources. Carb-loaded snacks can be occasional treats, but it is better to stick to nutritious whole foods when possible.
When a baby or toddler does not sleep well, parents may become desperate and put them to bed with a bottle of milk or sippy cup of juice. However, this leads to an increased risk of childhood cavities. Ideally, the child should have no beverages after brushing their teeth before bed. Milk and fruit juices have sugar that will break down enamel. Because salivary flow is reduced during sleep, these beverages are even more detrimental at night.
If the child is accustomed to sleeping with a bottle or sippy cup, it can be a big transition to go without. A family dentist may recommend only putting water in it at night until the child is no longer dependent on it to sleep.
Establishing oral care routines from a young age is essential for creating good hygiene habits for life. As soon as a baby has teeth coming through the gums, the parent should use a small, soft toothbrush or rag to wipe the teeth after feeding. Babies typically begin teething at six months old, but parents can get a baby used to this sensation even earlier by wiping the gums with a washcloth during bathtime. Once the baby has teeth that are touching, the parent can attempt to floss. Often, floss picks are easier to use than traditional string floss.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Family Dentist in Huntsville, AL
Keeping a child healthy is one of a parent's main goals. Oral health is important for overall health, so parents should be diligent about establishing and maintaining good oral hygiene habits for young children. The CDC notes that cavities are the most common chronic disease for children. Because this is largely preventable, it is important that parents are given the right information for keeping a child's mouth healthy. For more information, a consultation with a family dentist and hygienist is recommended.
Request an appointment or call Smiles by Design, PC at 256-660-3233 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.
Few people are thrilled at the thought of sitting in their dentist's chair. While dental anxiety is a real problem for many people, even those who do not experience that level of discomfort still have occasional misgivings or even fears. Finding a family dentist that you are comfortable with can help you get through those…
There are numerous reasons to see a family dentist. This dental professional provides a variety of services that prevent and treat dental issues. If problems with the gums or teeth go untreated, they can quickly lead to bigger issues that can even affect the entire body. Visiting a dentist when symptoms first appear is always…
Whether an individual has simply not been to the family dentist in a few years or switched to a new provider, a first visit can be overwhelming and possibly nerve-wracking. Knowing what to expect during the first visit and how to prepare can help ease individuals’ concerns and ensure the appointment goes as smoothly as…
In recent years, Invisalign® has become increasingly popular to straighten misaligned teeth. There are many benefits of this type of orthodontic treatment over traditional braces. Patients can remove the aligners to brush and floss the teeth, making oral hygiene measures much easier. Treatment time is often shorter, and the clear trays are not as noticeable…
Many people undergo teeth whitening procedures to make their smile look healthier and to increase their self-esteem. Although this procedure is largely painless unless you have very sensitive teeth, it is common to question the safety of products used to whiten your teeth. The safety of whitening procedures depends on many factors. Here are some common…