The risk for cavities during childhood is higher than you think. National surveys have found that 41 percent of children between the ages of 2 to 11 suffered from tooth decay in one form or another. Cavities lead to oral infections, pain, and eventual tooth loss; in extreme cases, they can even pose a threat to your child’s life. That said, you’re far from powerless when it comes to protecting your child from this chronic disease. Below are 3 tips from your family dentist in Franklin Park that can help you prevent serious oral health problems from occurring in the first place.
1. Schedule a Dental Checkup Before Their First Birthday
Seeing a family dentist on a regular basis is one of the most influential factors on your child’s oral health. Studies have shown that the odds of cavities being found at the first visit are multiplied by 2.1 for each year. In other words, the longer you wait to bring your child to the dentist, the higher the chances are that a severe oral health issue will be found. Furthermore, they’ll be more likely to need costly, complex treatments if their cavities aren’t found and treated in a timely manner. Thus, it’s best to set up a dental appointment before your child turns one year old; ideally, you should schedule their visit within six months of the first baby tooth appearing.
During the first appointment, your dentist will help your child grow comfortable with the office environment, and they’ll perform a gentle, thorough examination to check for cavities, gum disease, and other issues. They can also give you tips for taking better care of your child’s smile at home and let you know about any potential developmental issues that you’ll need to be aware of.
2. Maintain a Regular Brushing and Flossing Routine
You’ll need to clean your child’s teeth and gums until they’re old enough to brush and floss on their own. It’s recommended that you perform oral cleanings after every feeding. Before the teeth erupt, you can use a soft, damp cloth to get rid of food particles on the gums. When it’s time to start using toothpaste, only use a rice-grain sized smear; this should be sufficient until your child is three years old.
3. Pay Attention to Their Diet
Sugary foods and drinks can put your child’s teeth at risk. Try to limit your child’s sugar intake as much as possible, especially during their earliest developmental years. Talk to your dentist about age-appropriate foods that could potentially be beneficial to your child’s teeth and gums.
Taking control of your child’s oral health early in life can prevent emergency dental appointments and other headaches in the long term. If your little one has developed their first teeth but has yet to see the dentist, don’t delay any longer; get in touch with your family dental practice today.
About the Practice
At Grand Dental – Franklin Park, our dental team combines their unique skills to help patients young and old overcome their unique oral health problems. We’re proud to offer thorough checkups and cleanings for children, and we have access to a pediatric dentist should your little one need specialty care. To schedule an appointment for your little one’s first birthday, visit our website or call (847) 443-5121.