Although parenting small children can be incredibly joyful and rewarding, it also has unique challenges. For example, you’re responsible for meeting their physical, emotional, and mental needs until they’re old enough to care for themselves, and their smile is no exception.
Unfortunately, many well-meaning parents are functioning under some misconceptions about their kids’ dental health. Continue reading to learn 3 fascinating facts you might not already have known to be better prepared to protect their grin!
Fact #1: You Can Start Early
It’s easy to assume that you don’t need to worry about your little one’s dental condition until they have a mouth full of teeth to be concerned about. However, if you delay their dental care, they’re more likely to develop oral issues, like cavities or gum disease, by the time they arrive for their first appointment.
You might be surprised to learn that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking them for their first checkup within six months of their first tooth erupting, which usually happens by the time they turn a year old. Thankfully, you can start an at-home oral hygiene routine as early as infancy by wiping down their gums with a clean washcloth or finger brush to remove bacteria after meals.
Fact #2: Cavities are the Most Common Childhood Disease
Did you know that an estimated 42% of 2 to 5-year-olds develop tooth decay? It’s natural to be surprised by this statistic, especially when you consider that it means cavities are 5 times more common than childhood asthma and 20 times more common than diabetes.
You might think caries only impacts adult teeth because we have them longer, but the truth is that this oral issue can affect people at any age. Thankfully, brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and bacteria buildup that contribute to tooth decay in children. It might also help to limit their sugar consumption to avoid enamel erosion.
Fact #3: Tooth Decay is Contagious
You’ve probably tried to teach your child heathy habits, like washing their hands before meals or after using the restroom, to prevent spreading germs that might make them (or the people around them) sick. You might not realize it, but cavities are also contagious, so it’s just as important to care for their mouths as the rest of their system.
For example, cavities can spread from one tooth to another, which is particularly risky for children. Not only can tooth decay damage their baby teeth, but it can also spread to their permanent ones that haven’t erupted yet.
By teaching your child the value of proper preventive dental care early on in life, you’re handing them the tools they need to maintain their healthy smile later in life.
About the Practice
At G&G Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, kids of all ages benefit from a husband-and-wife dental duo who collaborate to help them build strong teeth and gums. They combine Dr. Nicole’s expertise as an orthodontist with Dr. Cory’s skill as a pediatric dentist to offer a comprehensive menu of services to meet all of your child’s needs at one convenient location. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art technology to improve patient comfort while delivering accurate treatment results meant to last. If your child needs a checkup and cleaning, you can request an appointment on the website or call (630) 778-9500.
