Dental health is a vital part of overall well-being, and it’s important to start early to prevent problems. By establishing consistent oral health habits and working with your children’s dental care in Carlsbad, you can ensure a healthy smile for years to come!
The first step in caring for your children’s dental care in Carlsbad is establishing good brushing and flossing habits. This starts when a baby’s first tooth appears and continues through a child’s permanent teeth. Babies should visit a dentist for their first exam no later than their first birthday.
During dental visits, the dentist will check for any signs of decay and other oral health problems. In addition, the dentist can teach your child how to brush and floss their teeth and help them develop a routine for proper Carlsbad children’s dental care.
A child’s diet plays a key role in dental health, too. Limiting sugary foods and drinks deters cavities. It’s especially important to avoid sweetened juice, soda, and candy, which erode enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay.
Your child’s dentist can also recommend fluoride treatments, which may strengthen teeth if they are at high risk of decay. They can also apply a fluoride varnish to your child’s teeth, or place a sealant on newly erupted molars to protect them from decay.
Brushing is the best way to remove food particles and keep your child’s teeth and gums clean. Teach your children to use a soft toothbrush, and supervise them as they learn to brush. Make sure they use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste (not a smear), and don’t let them brush too long.
Kids should brush twice a day, morning and night. For younger children, use a smear of low-fluoride toothpaste before they turn 6 and then switch to a pea-sized amount of adult fluoride toothpaste. Once your child turns 6, continue to brush them twice a day, but supervise them more closely.
Reward them for good oral hygiene! You can give them a gold star or apple slices, and encourage them to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
If your child sucks their thumbs, fingers, or pacifier, talk to your dentist about how to stop the habit. This is normal in babies, but prolonged use can cause problems with teeth alignment.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child seek proper Carlsbad children’s dental care by age 1.
You should also take them to the dentist once a year. During this appointment, the dentist will check for any signs of tooth decay or other problems and clean your child’s teeth.
It’s not uncommon for children to lose baby teeth. By the time they reach 12 years, most children have all their adult teeth, except for the third molars.
Your dentist can help prevent tooth decay by recommending fluoride supplements and applying dental sealants to newly erupted permanent molars. A sealant helps protect against decay by filling in the pits and crevices where bacteria like to settle.
Carlsbad Pediatric Dental Care is a child-focused dental clinic offering children’s dental care and sports dentistry treatments. Our Carlsbad child focused dentist will work with your children so they can achieve and maintain a beautiful smile and healthier gums and teeth. Call (760) 434-7374 to schedule your consultation.
