With all of the responsibilities parents have, caring for their children’s teeth needs to be at the top of the priority list. Yes, we all know how easy it is to forget to brush your teeth before heading out the door on busy mornings, and we understand how hard it is to wake up sleeping little ones to brush their teeth when they fall asleep early in the evening. However, caring for your children’s teeth early on will promote optimal oral health that will last for a lifetime.
One of the greatest misconceptions about baby teeth is that it’s “okay if they get cavities because they will just fall out anyway.” This could not be further from the truth. The health of your children’s baby teeth will be a huge indicator of the health of your children’s permanent teeth.
Once baby teeth erupt inside a young infant’s mouth, the permanent teeth begin developing high up in the jawline. If the health of the baby teeth is compromised, then the developing adult teeth are incredibly vulnerable to being compromised, too. Parents should never neglect their children’s oral health, because from the earliest stages their children’s teeth are setting the stage for a lifetime.
The best way for parents to care for their children’s young teeth is by setting good examples. These three simple steps, encouraged early on, will promote a healthy smile for life:
- Let your children brush their teeth with you. By brushing your teeth alongside your children, you can teach them how to brush correctly. Set a timer or a fun song and brush together. *You can also floss alongside your children when they are mature enough to do so.
- Take your children to the dentist by age 2. If you want your children to be comfortable at the dentist’s office, start taking them early. Let them learn from the very start that the dentist is their friend, and that s/he wants to help your children have a beautiful, healthy smile.
- Give your children healthy food and drink options. Your children’s diets should include plenty of lean meats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and water. Their diets should have limited sugar because sugar promotes tooth decay.
At Jefferson Dental Care, we are here for your entire family. We want to help your youngest family members develop a healthy smile from the very start. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
Posted on behalf of Jefferson Dental Care
