Going back to school? Go back to the dentist!

Tips for Maintaining Your Child’s Dental and Oral Health

Whether you are preparing to send your child back to school, beginning the process of homeschooling or even pursuing an education for them online, good oral healthcare is vitally important. From early childhood tooth decay to the eventual growth of adult teeth and placement, there are a multitude of reasons to teach good dental habits in addition to regularly scheduling appointments for checkups and cleanings. 

Here are some of the most useful things to remember when considering your child’s dental health needs. Just in time for school picture day, join us as we explore the value of pediatric dentistry!

Where to Begin?

From the moment a child begins sprouting their first teeth, it is essential to be consistent with check-ups, regular cleanings, and up-to-date x-rays. These act as a map for your child’s oral health as well as keeps you informed of significant dental milestones. The sooner that children begin seeing the dentist on a regular basis, the healthier their mouths will stay for the rest of their lives.

Oftentimes, parents do not make the connection between oral health and overall health. While they may seem vastly different, both oral and overall health directly feed into one another. Spotting warning signs early such as excess bleeding or dry mouth, can help diagnose diseases or underlying issues that may have been previously undetected. While these symptoms can be indicative of something more sinister, they can even exacerbate existing conditions like diabetes.

It is because of these things that seeing the dentist is the first step in a lifelong pursuit of good dental health.

The Importance of a Good Dental Hygiene Routine

In preventing tooth decay, you can help your child increase their concentration and elevate their mood. In fact, without the pain that typically accompanies damaged teeth, children will oftentimes improve their performance in school. Unfortunately, many parents believe that since baby teeth fall out, they do not matter as much as adult teeth.

This is myth, and a dangerous one at that!

Failure at consistently and thoroughly cleaning baby teeth can lead to Early Childhood Caries (ECC) in children between the ages of birth and 71 months. For those who are older and have already begun to lose their primary teeth, dental caries (also known as ‘cavities’) can lead to the improper placement of adult teeth when they grow in. As baby teeth assist in guiding their permanent counterparts to the correct positions, losing teeth too early due to tooth decay can affect the way they eat and speak. In extreme cases, it can potentially develop into serious speech impediments.

One way that you can further prevent tooth decay in your child is by making sure they are getting enough fluoride. Whether it is already in their water, through the usage of supplements, and/or by brushing their teeth with the right toothpastes, fluoride is a necessary ingredient for strong teeth. Working particularly well for children under the age of seven, fluoride strengthens the structure of developing teeth. If the right amount of fluoride is applied during this time, their enamel will become more resistant to acids that cause lasting damage and decay.

Through the usage of fluoride in conjunction with a set cleaning schedule, your child will be better protected against cavities in the future. If you are unsure of how much fluoride your child should be getting or how to get in more, feel free to call our office and we will be happy to help!

How to BEST Secure the Future of Your Child’s Teeth

When all is said and done, the best way to avoid lasting damages and a future of dental issues is through teaching the benefits of good routines. At Alexandria Smiles, we will work with you to secure the future for your child’s teeth. Offering a variety of payment options and a savings plan, quality dental healthcare is easy and affordable.

Laying a foundation of healthy habits, regular visits to the dentist, and having procedures done when needed are crucial keys to setting your child up for success. With these tools, they can develop a smile that you will both be proud of on school picture day and beyond.

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