ONE baby tooth + ONE pediatric dental visit = ZERO cavities! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit by the child’s first birthday. This is a great time for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to learn about baby teeth. You can think of this visit as a “well baby visit” for the teeth. Risk factors for cavities are identified and ways to reduce the risk are explained. While brushing your own teeth feels natural and easy, brushing a squirmy toddler’s teeth can be extremely challenging. The dental team can show you easier ways to accomplish this task and make it easier for you to effectively brush your child’s tiny teeth.
Now is a great time to think about finding a dentist for the children in your life. Pediatric Dentists are dentists who have completed additional training of two to three years focusing on the treatment of children and also people with special healthcare needs. Pediatric Dentists are the Pediatricians of Dentistry and are able to provide specialty dental care.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has great advice for preventing tooth decay in your children. Here are some suggestions:
-Before the baby teeth erupt, clean your baby’s mouth and gums with a soft washcloth or infant toothbrush at bath time. This will help prepare your baby for tooth-brushing in the future.
-When the teeth erupt, clean the child’s teeth at least twice a day with a toothbrush designed for small children. These brushes have very small heads and very soft bristles.
-If the baby is put to sleep with a bottle, use nothing but water. When a child is given a bottle containing sugary liquids such as milk, formula or fruit juice, the teeth are under attack by acid throughout the night. This can cause severe cavities and black spots on the front baby teeth. Sometimes the decay process is hard to see because the back of the tooth might be affected first.
We can all find a small way to have a big impact in a child’s life. Sometimes it is as easy as taking a few minutes out of the morning and evening to brush a child’s teeth. Other times it can be substituting a healthy fruit or vegetable snack instead of candy as a reward. Tooth decay is preventable and your child’s dentist can work with you to develop an action plan for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
SKY Pediatric Dentistry is committed to improving oral health throughout our community. Call us at 270-715-5437 to schedule your child or grandchild’s first dental exam today.
-by Dr. Mandy Ashley
About Our Dentists: Dr. Mandy Ashley and Dr. Madison Galloway are Board Certified Pediatric Dentists proud to serve the communities of Bowling Green, Hopkinsville, and Glasgow! We look forward to sharing our vision of excellent comprehensive dental care that is fun for children and people with special healthcare needs with your family.
