Are you a new parent? If yes, then you’re surely wondering whether you should schedule your child’s first trip to the dentist or should your 3-year kid be flossing.
Well, you might be in a tiff, but you aren’t alone. Many parents in Edmonton have a daunting time judging if their children need dental care or not. While preventing cavities is on their list, they aren’t aware of the maxims of doing so. To sort out your confusion, here are some tips and guidelines to get you started.
What is the Right Time to Take Your Kids to a Dentist?
As per ADA, the first time you should take your child to a dentist is on their first birthday. During his very first visit, the dentist will enlighten you about some proper flossing and brushing techniques. Also, the professional performs a modified exam while the baby sits on your lap.
Dental experts in Edmonton exclaim that frequent visits like these help find early problems and eliminate the phobia of visiting the dentist in children as and when they get older. If the dentist suspects a risk of cavities or other issues, the dentist may apply topical fluoride. This solution may help harden the enamel, which wards off childhood oral diseases such as dental cavities.
What Steps can Help Prevent Cavities?
Now that you’re reading about cavities, know that these can happen when food and bacteria are left on the teeth. The primary reason behind cavities is not brushing your teeth after eating. The acid collects on the tooth, which softens the enamel until a hole appears that makes way for a cavity.
Some ways that an Edmonton Dentist suggests for keeping cavities away are:
- Begin your oral habits well ahead of time. Inculcate a habit of healthy brushing at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and floss.
- Regular fluoride use tightens the enamel, which in turn makes it hard for the acid to penetrate. Thereby, make sure you get enough of it. If your town’s water lacks enough fluoride content, it is wise to ask your dentist for fluoride supplements. Beware of using too much of the content as it may lead to tooth discoloration.
- Limit or avoid sugary foods like gummies, fruit leathers, or juices. It is because these may erode the enamel or may even cause cavities. If your child is fond of consuming foods like these, ensure they brush their teeth or rinse their mouth regularly to wash away the sugar. The same advice holds good as the after walks of consuming sweetened and liquid medicines.
As you have a growing child and their permanent teeth may grow in, the dentist’s advice may prove worthy of preventing decay. The professional may suggest applying a wash of thin resin, famous as a sealant, to the back teeth, where most chewing occurs. However, educate your kids that sealants aren’t a replacement for regular flossing and a good brushing is vital.
Looking Ahead
It is vital to plan routine dental checkups for your kids as they grow. Schedule these every three months to once a year, depending on recommendations from your dentist.
Keep their sugar intake in check and encourage regular flossing and brushing. Also, encourage your kids to use a mouthguard while indulging in sports, as these can be a valid point of consideration for eliminating dental injuries!
In the end, it’s about compassionate prevention for the pursuit of excellence.
