What Every Parent Should Know: 4 Facts About Children’s Dental Health

Did you know your child should see a dentist before their first birthday? Are you aware that cavities are the most common oral health problem among children? Is it surprising to discover that baby teeth need just as much care and attention as adult ones? Parents have a lot to learn about their children’s dental health as they grow, so here are 4 facts to help you keep their smiles healthy and strong year after year.

Baby Teeth Matter

Baby teeth eventually fall out on their own, but until it’s time to say goodbye to them, it’s important they stay healthy. They make it easier for your child to chew solid foods and speak clearly as they grow older. They also serve as placeholders so that permanent teeth can eventually erupt and move into their proper place. Skipping regular dental cleanings and/or at-home oral care increases the risk of decay and early tooth loss, which can lead to dental drift and more serious issues once their adult teeth arrive.

You Can Prevent Cavities

Just because cavities are the most common oral health problem among children doesn’t mean they are unavoidable. Monitoring their brushing and flossing habits at home, making sure they eat healthy foods, and asking their dentist about additional preventive solutions can lower their risk of developing decay and unwelcome cavities.

Most Dentists Recommend a Child’s First Visit Occur By Their First Birthday

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental appointment before or by their first birthday. There are a few reasons for this:

• It establishes a positive relationship between you, your child, and the dentist early on.
• It allows the dentist to establish a baseline for your child’s oral health.
• It starts the conversation about good oral habits that can make taking care of baby teeth easier and less stressful.
• It gives you, the parent, a clear idea of what to expect as your child’s smile grows.

Cavities Can Impact a Child’s Academic Performance

What is happening inside your child’s mouth and how well they do in math may not seem like they’re connected, but they are. Research indicates that over 50 million school hours are lost each year because children have to miss class due to dental-related problems.

Spending too much time in the dentist’s chair to treat preventable issues can affect academic performance. Your child may begin to struggle in class and various subjects. You can avoid this by helping them stick to a healthy diet, care for their teeth and gums at home, and visit the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings.

As a parent, you can take simple steps to help protect your child’s smile, but if you have questions or need additional information about preventive solutions, reach out to schedule an appointment with their dentist.

About the Author

Imagine Smiles is a holistic dental practice with multiple dentists who care about your child’s smile. Offering preventive solutions focused on lifestyle and environmental changes, along with better oral hygiene and diet, our team aims to treat your little one’s overall health, not just their smile. If you want to learn more about your child’s dental health, visit our website to schedule a consultation.