Your child deserves a lifetime of good dental health, which means dental care that starts around age 1. Though baby teeth are temporary, they’re vital. Kids need strong teeth to develop good
dietary habits, like eating crunchy fruits and vegetables. Tooth infections, besides being painful, can also affect their general health. Primary teeth also need to remain intact until the permanent teeth erupt, to save space for them and ensure they come in straight. Also, teaching good dental health habits to your children will pay them dividends throughout their life.
Tips for Good Dental Hygiene
Good oral hygiene prevents cavities and gum disease. Teach your child to brush twice a day, first with your help and independently by the time they’re 10. Help them select an age-appropriate toothbrush and a tasty toothpaste flavor so they’re excited to brush. Games and songs make brushing fun.
When your child’s baby molars come in around age 2 or 3, it’s time to start flossing. That’s the only way to prevent decay between teeth. By the time your child is about 8, they’ll be ready to start flossing on their own.
A Healthy Diet
For kids (and adults), a healthy diet is made up of nutrient-dense foods with limited added sugar. Kids shouldn’t sip sugary drinks throughout the day or take a bottle with juice or milk to bed. Babies under age 1 should not drink juice, and older kids should only drink 4 to 8 ounces daily. When kids do have sugar, they should brush their teeth right after.
Preparing for Dentist Visits
Bring your child for their first pediatric dentist visit before they have a chance to develop tooth decay. Avoiding cavities is better than fixing them, and kids will like the dentist more if they aren’t in pain the first time they visit. Schedule your child’s first visit when their first tooth erupts, which should be by age 1. Some more dental tips for parents are:
- Remember that kids often adopt their parents’ attitude toward the dentist and oral health.
- Present dental care as a routine and important part of life.
- Never tell kids that dentist visits are a punishment for not taking care of their teeth.
To make an appointment, call our office at (337) 984-3046. At Louisiana Dental Group, we treat patients ages 1 to 20 with Medicaid insurance. You can also fill out our appointment request form, and we will call you.