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oral health tips for your child

February is Children’s Dental Health Month

Check out these Oral Health Tips for your child

Every February, the American Dental Association recognizes National Children’s Dental Health Month, a nationwide observance dedicated to promoting children’s oral health. This month-long initiative highlights the significance of maintaining healthy smiles and provides parents with practical tips to support their child’s dental care. At Sorenson Pediatric Dentistry, our team is proud to participate by sharing valuable oral health advice and raising awareness about the importance of starting pediatric dental care early.

First Birthday, First Tooth, First Dental Visit.

New parents often wonder, “When should my child first visit the dentist?” The answer is: it’s never too early to prioritize your child’s oral health! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends establishing a dental home by your child’s first tooth or first birthday. This initial visit allows parents to ask questions, address any concerns, and receive guidance on their child’s dental care. During the visit, your pediatric dentist will gently examine the child’s mouth, checking their gums and any emerging teeth. As teething progresses, regular check-ups will help monitor development and implement preventative measures to ensure your baby’s teeth stay healthy.

Click here for more information on your child’s first dental visit.

Importance of baby teeth

Baby teeth play a crucial role in a child’s development by saving space for permanent teeth and supporting essential functions like speaking, chewing, and smiling. These teeth remain in a child’s mouth for 8–10 years and can also reflect their overall health. Untreated tooth decay can lead to oral infections that enter the bloodstream, potentially causing serious health issues and allowing harmful bacteria to spread to developing adult teeth.

While daily brushing is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene, it’s not enough on its own. Bacteria that cause tooth decay can hide between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach, making flossing an important habit to help kids adopt early.

Another significant oral health concern for infants and toddlers under one year old is baby bottle tooth decay. This condition occurs when sugary liquids are consumed, allowing bacteria in the mouth to feed on the sugar and produce acid that erodes the enamel on baby teeth. Over time, repeated exposure can lead to decay. Common culprits include milk, formula, fruit juice, soda, and other sweetened beverages. To minimize the risk, water is the safest option if your child needs a bottle at bedtime.

Did you know?

Early childhood tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting more children than asthma. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), over 40% of children experience tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten. Children with poor oral health are also three times more likely to miss school due to dental pain, impacting their education and well-being.

In response to this growing issue, a lot of states requires children to undergo dental examinations before starting school and again in the 3rd and 7th grades. However, without consistent six-month dental check-ups and the development of healthy oral habits early in life, small cavities can quickly escalate into more significant dental problems. Prioritizing regular care and prevention is key to protecting little smiles.

8 tips to keep your child’s teeth healthy

Dr Levi Sorenson is passionate about caring for your child’s oral health during their critical early years of development. With specialized training beyond dental school, he focuses on monitoring and supporting babies’ and children’s oral health as they grow. Here are our top oral health tips to set your little ones on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles:

  1. Schedule regular dental check-ups. If it has been more than six months since your child’s last dental visit, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
  2. Clean your baby’s gums daily. Before teeth emerge, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a damp washcloth after each feeding to remove harmful bacteria.
  3. Start brushing when the first tooth appears. Use an infant toothbrush with a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) to clean your baby’s first tooth.
  4. Brush twice a day for two minutes. For children ages 2–6, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Always supervise children under six while brushing to prevent swallowing toothpaste.
  5. Introduce flossing. Begin flossing as soon as your child’s teeth start touching.
  6. Choose healthy snacks. Minimize sugary and sticky foods like fruit juice, gummy snacks, and candy, which can harm teeth. Opt for calcium-rich snacks like cheese or low-sugar yogurt. If candy is unavoidable, chocolate bars are a better choice than sticky or gummy treats.
  7. Encourage hydration. Stick to water instead of sugary drinks. Water rinses away food particles and sugars and helps prevent cavities. Many municipal water supplies contain fluoride, a proven tool in cavity prevention. Check out this article from ADA.org.
  8. Replace toothbrushes regularly. Swap out your child’s toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

Starting these habits early can help ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and bright for years to come!

Check out these pics of our latest school presentations!

Everyone had a lot of fun!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

first dental visit

If you have any questions regarding your child’s dental health call our office and the team at Sorenson Pediatric Dentistry will help answer any questions you might have.

Call us and schedule your child’s appointment today: (702)586-4347