A family dentist plays a key role in the oral health of patients both young and old. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately one in five children between the ages of 5 and 11 have untreated cavities. There is more access to dental care than ever before, but many parents struggle with establishing effective oral care routines for their children. It is important that families know how to care for a child's teeth from birth to adulthood.
When discussing home care with parents, a family dentist encourages careful consideration of food and drinks given. Oral hygiene instructions are also important in this discussion.
One of the most obvious ways to reduce the risk of cavities in young children is to cut out sweets and candy. Parents should realize that there can be also other sources of sugar in the diet. Fruit juices are high in sugar content, and bread and pasta break down into sugars in the mouth. Parents must consider everything in the child's diet and eliminate unnecessary sugar sources. Carb-loaded snacks can be occasional treats, but it is better to stick to nutritious whole foods when possible.
When a baby or toddler does not sleep well, parents may become desperate and put them to bed with a bottle of milk or sippy cup of juice. However, this leads to an increased risk of childhood cavities. Ideally, the child should have no beverages after brushing their teeth before bed. Milk and fruit juices have sugar that will break down enamel. Because salivary flow is reduced during sleep, these beverages are even more detrimental at night.
If the child is accustomed to sleeping with a bottle or sippy cup, it can be a big transition to go without. A family dentist may recommend only putting water in it at night until the child is no longer dependent on it to sleep.
Establishing oral care routines from a young age is essential for creating good hygiene habits for life. As soon as a baby has teeth coming through the gums, the parent should use a small, soft toothbrush or rag to wipe the teeth after feeding. Babies typically begin teething at six months old, but parents can get a baby used to this sensation even earlier by wiping the gums with a washcloth during bathtime. Once the baby has teeth that are touching, the parent can attempt to floss. Often, floss picks are easier to use than traditional string floss.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Family Dentist in Columbia, SC
Keeping a child healthy is one of a parent's main goals. Oral health is important for overall health, so parents should be diligent about establishing and maintaining good oral hygiene habits for young children. The CDC notes that cavities are the most common chronic disease for children. Because this is largely preventable, it is important that parents are given the right information for keeping a child's mouth healthy. For more information, a consultation with a family dentist and hygienist is recommended.
Request an appointment or call Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry at 803-567-1804 for an appointment in our Columbia office.
A unique benefit of choosing a family dentist is that this professional care for the oral health of your entire household during every stage of life. The dental needs of children, teenagers, and adults vary, so a family dentist who can offer a comprehensive range of services for every family member is a valuable asset.Family…
For many people, a family dentist is the right choice for routine dental care. While this type of practice is usually equipped to handle the specific needs of pediatric patients, it is still able to provide thorough care for adults as well. Family dentists typically offer a wide variety of services in one location and…
According to the American Dental Association, little more than half of Americans visit a family dentist twice yearly, which is the frequency with which the ADA recommends checkups. This means that an overwhelming percentage — more than 40% — only schedule a visit when something is wrong. Individuals who fall into the latter category may…
Bad breath can feel uncomfortable and embarrassing, even more so when it does not seem to go away. If you are struggling with chronic bad breath, a general dentist can help. Many treatment options are available, some of which take place at home. In this article, we will explore the common causes of bad breath…
Wear and tear make denture repairs inevitable in the long run. This is why a general dentistry practice that deals with dentures should have in-house facilities for minor and moderate repairs. The practice should also have quick access to a dental lab in case a patient needs major repairs for their dentures. Knowing when to…