Let’s be honest: It can be hard enough to take care of your own teeth, much less your child’s! But your kids deserve healthy smiles too. In honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, we want to share our best tips for dental care from ages 0 to 19.
Dental Health Tips for Babies (ages 0 to 2)
Before teeth come in, you can gently wipe your baby’s gums twice a day — once in the morning after their first feeding and again right before bed — with a soft, clean cloth. Just like brushing, this helps to remove bacteria and sugars that can lead to cavities.
Once the first tooth comes in, brush twice a day with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and plain water.
You should visit a pediatric dentist by your child’s first birthday to spot any problems early. For children under two years old, be sure to ask before using fluoride toothpaste.
It’s important to limit sugary snacks and drinks from an early age. If your baby still uses a bottle, only use it for water, breast milk, or formula, and never let them fall asleep with it in their mouth.
Healthy Smiles for Young Children (ages 2 to 10)
To keep your child’s teeth healthy, it’s important to instill good dental habits at a young age. You should continue to brush their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. The amount of toothpaste varies by age: If they’re under three years old, use a smear, or the size of a grain of rice. If they’re three years old or older, encourage them to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and always spit it out.
Be sure to help your child brush their teeth until they have good brushing skills. If your child is younger than six years old, watch them brush. You can also start flossing once a day, although this often requires more help from an adult than brushing. At ten years old, most children can brush and floss on their own.
Make sure they drink tap water with fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel and helps to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
Following their first appointment, they should continue to see their dentist every six months. Most children will get their first dental X-rays between ages 4 and 6, depending on their individual dental development and any concerns of their dentist. These images allow their dentist to closely monitor their growth and identify any potential issues before they become serious.
Did you know more than 50 percent of children ages 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their baby teeth? Fortunately, a fluoride varnish can prevent as many as one-third of cavities in baby teeth. When appropriate, ask your child’s dentist to apply dental sealants, which prevents up to 80 percent of cavities. This typically occurs between ages 6 and 12, after their permanent molars have erupted.
Dental Care for Adolescents (ages 10 to 19)
As children grow, their dental needs will evolve. Over 50 percent of adolescents have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth, making it especially important to oversee their dental care.
Continue to encourage proper brushing and flossing techniques. They should brush for at least two minutes, twice a day, and also floss once a day. They should continue to visit their dentist every six months to catch any problems like cavities or misalignment. Better yet, these biannual visits will help decrease the chance of dental anxiety in the future.
If your child struggles with crooked teeth, braces or another orthodontic treatment may be needed. Your dentist can refer you to an orthodontist for next steps. If orthodontic treatment is required, it’s important to properly care for your appliances in order to maintain healthy gums and avoid plaque build-up.
Good dental care also depends on a balanced diet. In addition to limiting sugar intake, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products support strong oral health. It’s important that they also drink plenty of water throughout the day to wash away bacteria and food particles. If your teen smokes or vapes, remind them of the negative consequences, including gum disease and bad breath.
No matter your child’s age, good dental care is a must for a healthy smile.
We hope you’ll trust Maitland Ave Smile Co. with your family’s oral health needs.
Call us at 407.834.0330 to schedule your appointment today! Check out our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like your family’s dental routine, dental anxiety, and more.