Though there are a variety of questions Katy, TX parents face when raising their child, health care is often at the top of the list. Healthy teeth and dental care are vital to a child’s overall health and the easiest way to ensure they have great dental habits is to instill them early as the child is still growing. Otherwise, poor dental care and habits may lead to gum disease, infection, cavities, and other health issues.
This monumental task can become less stressful with the help of incredible experts who have been educated and trained in child’s dental care. There are a variety of dentists who specialize in youth dental care, providing parents with much-needed relief.
The most obvious thing to remember for sound dental care for each child is to ensure that they get regular visits to their Katy TX pediatric dentist. They can stay on the lookout for any changes or abnormalities in the teeth.
Another thing to help each child take care of their teeth is to start at the very beginning. As soon as the child’s first tooth comes in, the parents need to help the child clean the tooth and gums. Dentists recommend cleaning it with water after each meal or feeding. Some suggest the tooth only needs to be cleaned twice per day, so it is up to the parents to decide what works best for their child.
For children in the midst of the terrible two’s, it is incredibly important to teach them the right strategy for brushing their teeth. However, children, this young may have difficulty brushing their teeth properly. This means that it is the parents’ responsibility to oversee the child’s methods of brushing. When they are toddlers, the toothbrush should have softer bristles. Make sure the child only uses a pea-sized amount of toothpaste because their bodies are not prepared for larger amounts of fluoride.
Another important factor in dental health is to encourage children to rinse their teeth after they eat sugar. When they drink soda or other sugary drinks like artificial fruit juices, or when they eat chocolate or candy, the sugar in these substances can damage the teeth. Sugar and other artificial sweeteners actually increase the speed at which the tooth decays, creating cavities.
For older children, it is important for parents to explain the role of diet in overall health and wellness, particularly the impact on their teeth. It is important for adolescents to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. It is also important for them to stay hydrated with plenty of water.
If the child is on medication, it might be wise to discuss with the local dentist. Some medications can affect the gum health and tooth health of the child.
As children get older, it is important for them to protect their mouths while participating in sports. If the child is active in sports, particularly contact sports, help them prevent sports-related injuries by providing a mouth-guard.
Parents are the key to helping their children establish healthy habits, even habits like dental hygiene and health. It is important for adults to support healthy oral hygiene habits by encouraging their children to regularly brush and floss their teeth.