February is Children's Dental Health Month, and is a good time to remind parents about the importance of early childhood dental visits and establishing an oral hygiene routine at a young age.
Did you know decay can occur as soon as teeth appear? Tooth decay impacts more than oral health. Bacteria in the mouth can also spread to the body and eventually contribute to heart disease , stroke and more.
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Here are 7 tips from the dentists at Putnam Dental Associates:
1. Establish a Dental Health Relationship Early
Schedule a dental visit for your child within six months of the first tooth eruption or by your child's first birthday.
2. Clean Gums While Teeth Are Erupting
Baby teeth are at risk for decay as soon as they appear. Start oral health right away.
3. Limit Bottles at Bedtime To Only Water
Napping or sleeping with juice or milk can cause childhood decay due to sugars from the liquids staying in direct contact with the teeth for prolonged periods.
4. Prevent Bad Habits
Thumb sucking and pacifiers after age two can create crowded, crooked teeth or bite problems.
5. Play It Safe
If your child plays a sport, make sure he wears a mouth guard. Mouth guards can help prevent injury to the jaw, mouth and teeth and are significantly less expensive than the cost to repair an injury. Your dentist should offer custom mouth guards to ensure your child's safety .
6. Keep Away From The Sugar Monster
It's difficult for kids to navigate across their snack choices and make wise decisions when presented with an array of tempting, sugary options. Make healthy snacks appealing. Limiting sugar as much as possible and avoid putting "fizzy" drinks, sugary fruit juices and sweets in lunch boxes and at home.
7. Regular Check-Ups Every Six Months Are Key
We can't stress this enough. Detecting and tackling problems early can avoid costly and painful procedures in the future. It is a crucial investment in your child's future oral health. You achieve this with regular checkups.
Want more information about dental health and how to maintain your family's oral hygiene? Contact the dentists at Putnam Dental Associates and see why their patients have rated them the best dental practice in the region!
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