From when they get their first tooth to when they’re old enough to cover their own dental care expenses, your child’s smile will change a lot throughout their life. Teaching your little one about the importance of maintaining excellent oral health from an early age can make or break how their smile looks and functions when they’re all grown up. To make sure you can adequately support them throughout their oral health journey, read on to learn about three children’s dentistry facts you might not have known.
Fact #1: Tooth Decay is the Most Common Childhood Disease
In the United States, more than 90% of people have had at least one cavity by the time they turn 21. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that more than 42% of children ages two – 11 will develop at least one cavity.
As common as cavities are, they’re generally easy to prevent with a good oral hygiene routine. Your child should brush their teeth twice per day, one when they wake up and once after dinner. Be sure to have them brush for two minutes each time. Additionally, they should floss their teeth at least once per day to remove plaque and food particles that they missed while brushing.
Fact #2: Sugar Isn’t the Only Cause of Poor Dental Health
When people think of foods and drinks that cause cavities, things like soda, lollipops, and ice cream might be the first ones to come to mind. However, sweet treats aren’t the only things that can encourage decay in your little one’s teeth. Starchy, high-carb foods like crackers and bread are partially digested in the mouth and turned into sugar. This means that they can harm your child’s smile in the same way as candy and other sugary foods and beverages.
Fact #3: Your Child Should Visit the Dentist Around Their 1st Birthday
Do you know when your little one should start visiting the dentist? Though they’ll be far from having a full set of teeth, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says that little ones should begin seeing their dentist around one year old. if their first tooth emerges before then, their first visit should be scheduled even sooner. Starting these visits early on will help protect their smile from cavities, get them used to their dentist and dental team, and will allow you to gain valuable insight into techniques and products.
Helping your child care for their smile from an early age is an important part of growing up to have healthy teeth. With the above information about children’s dentistry, you and your little one should be able to keep their beam happy, healthy, and beautiful!
About the Practice
Dr. Paul Miller, Dr. Rudy Wolf, and Dr. Gwen Hooks lead the Altavista team at Miller & Wolf Family Dentistry. They treat the smiles of people of all ages with the care they need to stay healthy and bright. They are also experts on all things related to children’s dentistry, making them the perfect people to help your little one keep their smile functioning properly and looking lovely. To make an appointment with Miller & Wolf Family Dentistry or for more information on their children’s dentistry services, visit their website or call their office at (434) 324-8241.