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Parents want the best for their children. Besides checking with your pediatrist periodically, you must also focus on their dental health. Dental care is critical from an early age, and your child should have their first appointment by the age of one. Here’s how you can protect your child’s teeth and gums.
- Find the right dental practice: Not all clinics offer pediatric care, and as a parent, you should take your time to find the right pediatric dentist in Western Springs. Ask around for recommendations or check online to make a list. You can also shortlist options based on Google reviews and feedback on social media.
- Ask questions: Even infants need to have their gums cleaned with a soft cloth. If you don’t know how to care for your child’s teeth, it’s okay. You can always ask the dentist for advice. Dental care and oral hygiene habits change rapidly for kids as they grow, and you need to keep up.
- Select the right products: From selecting the right toothpaste and toothbrush to using a mouthwash, the right products can make a big difference. Toothbrushes for children usually have a small head and soft bristles, and it is ideal to replace the existing one every three months.
- Teach brushing and flossing techniques: You have to impart the appropriate lessons when it comes to brushing and flossing. The first demonstration should come from a dentist, who will also guide the child on how to reach the molars and back teeth that are more prone to cavities.
- Don’t ignore signs of dental disease: Many parents assume they don’t need to worry about cavities in baby teeth because these teeth will eventually fall off. However, decay and cavities can cause other problems. If your child complains of pain or bleeding gums, take them to the dentist immediately.
- Watch what they eat: One of the major causes of tooth decay is consuming too much sugary foods and snacks. Check your child’s diet, talk to the dentist and a dietician, and focus on wholesome foods, including veggies and whole grains. If your child is eating something like chocolate, make sure they brush their teeth afterward.
- Water consumption is critical: Water can help get rid of food particles, and ensuring your child drinks plain water more than sugary drinks is a great way to protect their teeth. You should ask the pediatrist how much water is okay for your child’s given age.
- Flossing is just as important: Ask the pediatric dentist when your child can start flossing their teeth. Flossing reaches the areas that toothbrushes cannot and is a great way to prevent gum disease. Soft floss is available in the market for kids.
- Schedule dental checkups: Despite all the care at home, your child will still need regular dental exams and cleanings. Your dentist will determine how often you should schedule checkups for your child, but the standard gap is six months.
- Be a role model: Your child will learn good habits from you, and it is important that you show them the right way to brush and floss their teeth. If they see good things, parents eventually become role models.
- Avoid scaremongering: You don’t want to scare your child about dental exams or visits to the clinic. Many parents force kids to follow oral hygiene habits, often convincing them that not doing so would mean seeing a dentist. You need to focus on positive reinforcement.
Check online today to find a reliable dental practice in Western Springs for kids. If your child hasn’t seen a dentist in the last six months, they are already due for a checkup.
