Back to School Dental Tips for Children and Parents
Public health officials consistently tout the benefits for giving kids a healthy start and providing the tools to make the best decisions for their health, including nutrition, exercise, resilience and mental health. Good oral health is included in that list as well. And while some parents may think that children’s dental health isn’t as important because, well, they’ll lose their baby teeth, nothing could be further from the truth. Keep reading to learn back to school dental tips for children and parents.
What’s the prevalence? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over half of children aged 6 to 8 years have had a cavity in at least one of their baby or primary teeth, and over half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 years have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth. Like any disease or injury, if it’s treated quickly and effectively, it likely will not have any long-lasting effects, but if a cavity is ignored, it could easily spiral and affect that child for life. On the up side, it’s easy to prevent cavities if a child is set up with the right oral health habits early.
Many first time parents ask Dr. Lawrence Lesperance of South Gables Dental what’s a good age to bring a child to the pediatric dentist for the first time, and both he and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend “your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.”
Reasons Why Children’s Oral Health is Vital
In addition to the fact that no one wants their child to have bad breath, below are two important reasons why parents or caregivers should ensure good pediatric oral health for their kids.
- Sets up positive habits. Teaching people – including children – correctly the first time is easier than fixing bad habits later on, and the same goes for how people take care of their teeth.
- Chronic disease prevention. According to the CDC, “cavities (also known as caries or tooth decay) are the most common chronic disease of childhood in the United States.” Ignoring cavities, or not taking your children to the dentist regularly, will cause your child to feel pain, and they may also have infections leading to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning.
Dental Tips for Parents and Caregivers
It’s hard being a parent, day in and day out. Especially at the end of a very long day. So it may be easy to wave off certain best practices. But, trust us, this is worth it for a child’s lifetime health.
- Practice what you preach. Kids learn from their parents, so if they see you flossing each night before bed – without complaining – that’s what they’ll think is normal.
- Ask your dentist to put fluoride varnish on your child’s baby teeth.
- Drink tap water (assuming your community’s water is safe for drinking), because many communities put fluoride in tap water, primarily to prevent cavities.
- Brush at least twice daily with a quality fluoride toothpaste.
- Talk with your Miami dentist about applying dental sealants to your child’s back teeth.
- Visit a dentist about once every six months for proper maintenance. And don’t hesitate to call your Coral Gables dentist immediately if a child is in pain.
South Gables Dental Supports Carver Elementary
Here at South Gables Dental we feel so strongly about giving kids the best chance at a healthy start, that we’re supporting the nearby George Washington Carver Elementary School. The Home of the Little Hornets is an International Programs Magnet School located on Grand Avenue in Coral Gables, bordering Coconut Grove – just around the corner from our office. Why did we choose to do this? Because investing in children is always a good return on investment, and with our support the teachers and schools can purchase class rewards to encourage student learning and engagement, helping to set them up for future success. Sound familiar?
Need a Local Children’s Dentist in Miami, Florida?
If you or your children need a new dentist, the experienced team at South Gables Dental is proud to be your local children’s dentist here in Miami, Florida. The experienced team at South Gables Dental is proud to be your local pediatric dental professionals in Miami, Florida.
