Sugar Land Dental Practice for Children Shares Little Known Facts About Oral Health for Kids

As a pediatric dentist in Sugar Land, Texas, it is my job to educate both patients and their parents about the importance of oral health, and keep them up to date on oral health issues that may exist within their family. Many parents don’t realize the important role that baby teeth play in their child’s overall oral health. Here are a few tips to help your children get on the road to healthy teeth and gums!

• The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children begin seeing the dentist no later than their first birthday. Your Sugar Land dental practice for children can begin preventative care so that child is less likely to experience cavities in the future.

• Juice is the number one cause of cavities in both children and teenagers. There is a myriad of options out there when it comes to juice, but pediatric patients should be limited to one 8oz glass of juice per day to avoid cavities caused by excessive sugars and acids found in these drinks. Babies should not be given sippy cups or bottles to go down for naps or at bedtime to avoid early childhood tooth decay.

• Even though baby teeth will eventually fall out, we still need to care for them. Untreated cavities can get deeper and could lead to tooth loss. Without teeth, your child will no longer be able to chew, develop speech issues, and will lose placeholders for adult teeth when they arrive. Beginning to care for teeth at an early age is just as important as caring for them in your later years.

• Flossing is as important as brushing. But, only about 35% of Americans floss twice a day. Flossing cleans the surfaces of teeth that cannot be reached by brushing alone.

• Your child’s oral hygiene habits begin now! Your pediatric dentist in Sugar Land, Texas recommends getting children excited with a toothbrush featuring their favorite character, having a family brushing party, or even a rewards chart to get them motivated.

• Fluoride is recommended for children of all ages. This vitamin ensures teeth are healthy, stay strong, and helps to prevent cavities. Using it on baby teeth can make a difference in your child’s smile as they grow. Before you use toothpaste, make sure your child can either spit out the toothpaste on their own or that you only use a minuscule amount so that if it is swallowed it will not cause damage.