Things Parents Should Know About Baby Teeth Care

As the dentist in Orange County agrees, many parents do not know how important their child's primary teeth are. And hence, they think it doesn't matter if the kids develop cavities in their teeth. However, in reality, studies say that approximately 23% of children between the ages of 2 and 11 with untreated tooth decay are at an increased risk of having problems with their adult teeth.

How To Care for Your Child's Teeth

Pediatric oral care includes two components - preventative care at the pediatric dentist's office and at home. The primary goal of preventative oral care is to prevent the onset of any dental issues and thus preserve the health of the child's teeth. 

Dental Care at a Pediatric Dentist's Office

As per the ADA, it is important to take your child to a pediatric dentist when their first tooth erupts or when they turn one year old. During the regular checkups at the dentist in Orange County, we will examine the baby's teeth for early signs of tooth decay, clean the teeth, address dental concerns, if any, track jaw and teeth development, monitor orthodontic issues, and help parents with recommendations on taking care of their child's teeth. Besides, the dentist will also suggest the application of topical fluoride and dental sealants to strengthen the teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay.

As a Parent, How Can You Help At Home?

Good at-home oral care practices include the following: 

• Diet: A nourishing, well-balanced diet is essential to maintain oral health. Discourage intake of too much sugar. Continuous snacking should also be discouraged. 
• Oral habits:  Pacifier use and thumb-sucking habits can lead to teeth misalignment. If your child must need a pacifier, ensure that you choose an "orthodontically" correct model to minimize the risk of tooth developmental issues like narrow roof arches and crowding. If your child has thumb-sucking habits, a pediatric dentist can suggest a suitable strategy to help with it. 
• General oral hygiene: Never share eating spoons and utensils with your child. Also, do not bite or lick on their pacifiers or teething toys. This is to prevent the transfer of harmful oral bacteria from the parent to the child. Rinse the child's toys and pacifiers with warm water, and avoid sharing utensils when possible.
• Sippy cup use – Sippy cups filled with milk, soda, juice, and sweetened water can cause sugary fluid to swill around the baby's teeth, causing tooth decay and cavities. So, discontinue using sippy cups when the child turns twelve to fourteen months or when the child develops the motor skills to hold a glass.
• Brushing: Brush your child's teeth at least two times a day using a soft-bristled brush and a pea-sized quantity of ADA-approved toothpaste (non-fluoridated before the age of two and fluoridated after that). Parents should monitor the child's brushing process until the child can brush well and reach all areas of the mouth. For infants, rub their gum area using a clean, wet cloth after feeding them. 
• Flossing:  Your pediatric dentist can help you with the right flossing techniques and tips to make flossing more fun!

Create a good oral care routine for your child and help them stick to it. Lead them by example. 

For details, call Vida Dentistry, the best dental care in Orange County, at (949) 209-8889.