Good dental health starts with prevention, and at Little People's Dental, we focus on helping your children establish a good oral routine that will last a lifetime and help stave off future dental problems. When you bring your child in for their visit with Dr. Thayne Gardner, we can discuss why it is important for everyone, including children, to take care of both their teeth and their gums. To help you learn more about your child’s dental health in South Jordan, Utah, our pediatric dentist has provided answers to some common questions, as listed below.
When should my child go to the dentist? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child have their first visit at age one, or when their first few teeth begin to erupt.
Why are baby teeth so important? Since proper speech development is dependent on having healthy, fully-developed teeth, it is critical to take care of baby teeth with a proper diet and regular dental care both at home and at the pediatric dentist.
How can I protect my child’s teeth? The best plan of action is maintaining regular oral hygiene, which includes daily brushing and flossing, as well as visiting the dentist about every 6 months. Regular dental visits can help catch dental issues early on and prevent them from getting worse. Diet and genetics are also factors in protecting children’s teeth.
Can all children grow up cavity-free? Yes! Growing up cavity-free is possible, but it does depend on many factors and genetics. Establishing a good oral care routine is paramount in preventing many dental conditions from forming.
How can I help my child prevent cavities? Brushing and flossing with fluoride toothpaste, drinking fluorinated water, having the dentist apply sealants to the back teeth, and watching your child’s sugar intake and the number of snack they eat can all help prevent decay.
Is diet important in the prevention of cavities? Your diet can play a big role in either preventing or contributing to the development of cavities. However, it is more important to know how often your child should eat instead of exactly what they should or should not eat. Frequent snacking can leave food on the teeth longer, and since a child usually does not brush their teeth throughout the day, this can lead to increase in tooth decay. Limit the number of snacks your child can have throughout the day, and let them snack on snacks that are low in sugar and acids.
We hope this information has been a helpful resource in knowing how you can help your child develop good dental health. If you have any additional questions, or if you would like additional information about the questions above, we invite you to contact us today.
