4 Facts Every Parent Should Know About Their Child’s Smile

As a parent, you should want what’s best for your little one—and this includes their oral health! Developing good dental hygiene habits early in life can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums, but your child cannot do this on their own at first. To help you help them on this journey, here are four essential children’s dental health facts your pediatric dentist thinks you should keep in mind.

#1. Tooth Decay in Children Is More Common Than You Think

Believe it or not, tooth decay is the most prevalent harmful dental condition among children, and when left untreated, it can completely destroy teeth and harm a child’s overall health. Per the CDC, more than 42% of children will get a cavity before their eleventh birthday. However, as common as they may be, cavities in children are preventable if you take certain measures, such as routine preventive dental care, excellent oral hygiene at home, and a well-balanced diet with fewer sugary and starchy items.

#2. Children Should Visit the Dentist by Their First Birthday

Sadly, most children don’t visit the dentist until well past their second birthday—and this is much later than what’s recommended by dental professionals! According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you should bring your child in for their first dental appointment no later than their first birthday. This ensures that you’re getting a timely start on keeping up with their smile’s health and beauty!

#3. Baby Teeth Should Not Be Neglected

Proper dental care matters from the get-go—meaning that you should begin caring for your child’s smile before their baby teeth come in, but also as they develop. Though they’ll eventually fall out, baby teeth still play a crucial role in oral development and shouldn’t be neglected by any means. You can start by using an infant toothbrush or soft cloth to wipe your baby’s gums twice a day before their teeth erupt, which helps to keep them free of harmful bacteria while also preparing them for toothbrushing. Once their baby teeth begin making their entrance, you can brush them regularly (twice a day) with fluoride toothpaste.

#4. Beware of Sports-Related Dental Injuries

If your child is regularly involved in sports or other physical activities, consider investing in a protective mouthguard for them. A considerably large percentage of dental injuries are the direct result of sports, both contact and non-contact alike. These injuries include things like chipped, broken, or even displaced teeth, all of which can derail a child’s dental development as well as cause them quite a bit of distress! Custom-fitted mouthguards from a dentist offer the best level of protection and comfort.

Maintaining your child’s dental health is a vital part of their overall well-being, and by starting early, scheduling regular checkups, and ensuring their hygiene is retained at home, you can set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiling!

About the Practice

Our team here at Kids Dentist is thrilled to provide families in the Grayslake, IL community with an exceptional level of care, offering a wide range of pediatric dental services. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule an appointment for your child, feel free to visit our website or give us a call today for further information. Telephone: (847) 223-1400.