Teaching Your Child Proper Dental Care
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), tooth decay among the children in the United States is still a common occurrence for childhood diseases. Even though there have been many improvements towards dental care, this is nothing to smile about. For children from the ages of 5 – 17 year olds, tooth decay is at least five times greater than asthma.
The National Center for Health Statistics claims that at least one fifth of the children who are 2 – 4 years old, half the children that are 6 – 8 years old and almost 65 percent of teenagers that are 15 years old suffer from tooth decay. We’re talking about a lot of children here. In these days and with all know and all the tools we have, this shouldn’t even be happening.
Read these tips and recommendations that were put together by the ADA, experts in the dental field and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry:
Teeth Need To Have A Good Cleaning
Until children reach the age of 6 years old, a parent should brush their teeth for them twice a day. Use a toothpaste that has been approved by the ADA. Apply toothpaste about a quarter of the way down the bristles. When your child has passed the age of six, it is a good idea to still watch them carefully so that they brush each and every one of their teeth properly.
Once your baby starts to grow it’s first tooth, this is when the care of their teeth starts. Pick up a toothbrush that has been designed especially for toddlers and infants. Gently brush their teeth and gums after each feeding.
Going To The Dentist
Don’t wait to visit the dentist. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you see the first tooth and preferably before your baby’s first birthday.
Drink Water That Has Fluorine In It
Some people have to rely on well water and well water is not fluoridated. Even though others are using city water, the flourine content may not be enough to fight cavities. Water that contains the proper level of flourine in it will help reduce tooth decay up to 40 percent.
If you are using a well system or your city water doesn’t meet the proper amount of flourine in the water, talk to your dentist about what he/she would recommend you do.
Eating Healthy Foods
A proper, well balanced diet for your children will help keep their teeth and body healthy. Make sure that your child drinks plenty of water, don’t let them get dehydrated.
If your children snack between meals, fix them something that is healthy, but also something that they will enjoy and keep them from craving junk food.
When you put your child to bed, do not put anything in their bottle except for water. Try to ween them off a bottle as they near the age of one by teaching them how to use a cup.
Starting dental care with your child’s first tooth will help to get the child in the habit of maintaining their teeth properly. This will save them a lot of grief from tooth decay as they get older. Also, by teaching them the importance of eating a healthy, well balanced diet of good foods.
