As parents, we are entrusted with the care of our children 24/7. Even before a baby’s first tooth breaks through, parents have to be attentive to their child’s oral health with children’s dentistry in Braselton.
The American Academy of Pediatrics reported that early childhood tooth decay or cavities are the most common chronic childhood diseases. Tooth decay in children as young as 2 years old is far more common than asthma, childhood obesity, and diabetes.
Our children’s dentistry office in Braselton wants to help you be the best parent you can as a caretaker of your child’s oral health. Following are some of our tips.
- Before your baby’s first tooth breaks through, parents can clean their baby’s gums with a soft washcloth or infant toothbrush. This allows your baby to get used to the idea of brushing their teeth.
- If the baby is put to bed with a bottle, use water as often as you can. Babies that are put to bed with a bottle containing milk or juice have a higher chance of developing early childhood tooth decay. Sugars from the milk or juice will activate the bacteria in your child’s mouth to produce an acid that will begin to break down a baby’s teeth.
- Your baby or toddler should see a children’s dentistry in Braselton as soon as a tooth erupts. If not, try to schedule an appointment before their first birthday.
- Did you know that babies can catch cavities from their parents? Streptococcus mutans can be transmitted from parent to baby, and in over 70% of cases, mothers tend to be the source. The better mom’s oral health is, the better baby’s oral health will be. Don’t forget to take care of yourself too, moms and dads!
- Once baby’s tooth breaks through the skin, it’s time to use toothpaste to care for his or her teeth. Children aged two and under usually use training toothpaste, but it’s important to use fluoridated toothpaste once your child is old enough.
- Limit your child’s juice intake to 6-8 oz. a day, preferably once a day during mealtime.
- Children should brush and floss twice a day, brush for at least 2 minutes each time, and visit a dentist twice a year.
Children’s dentistry in Braselton plays an important role in the success of your child’s dental health. Trying to find the right pediatric dentist for your child can be a challenging task, but we know it doesn’t have to be. We want to make that decision easy for you, by providing what both children and parents need in a children’s dentistry department.
Our office staff and dentists understand the uneasiness children may feel when visiting the dentist. That’s why we provide an atmosphere that is calming and attentive to the needs of children of all ages.
Upon your child’s first visit, our dentists will speak with the parent to discuss the purpose of the visit, determine how the child is feeling, establish a relaxed and comfortable first meeting, and from there, determine the level of comfort the child has in order to proceed with the dental exam.
Let’s help you win the war on your children’s dental health so that your child will never face the consequences of early tooth decay. For the very best in children’s dentistry in Braselton, contact our office today to make an appointment.
Joe Webster is a freelance writer and editor living in Illinois. He studied creative writing at the University of Missouri and is known for his vibrant stories and unique take on topics. Joe has been writing and editing for over six years and loves exploring different cultures and languages. He is passionate about making meaningful connections with readers, enabling them to grow through his writing.