One of the most important goals of the Canadian Dental Association is to raise awareness about the importance of oral health, especially in children. This makes pediatric dentistry, the specialized branch of dentistry focused on children’s oral health, an essential part of the prevention and treatment of any type of dental problem during childhood. If your child is older than one year, then you should look for a pediatric dentist in Edmonton. It’s recommended for children to regularly visit the dentist after this age to start the prevention of oral diseases and establish proper oral hygiene habits.
Here, we bring you some facts and tips that highlight the importance of taking care of your kid’s teeth and help you get more involved in their oral health:
Why tooth decay affects most children
Tooth decay and cavities represent the most common pediatric disease, affecting more children than asthma and allergies combined. For this reason, regular visits to the dentist after the first birthday is recommended by the American Dental Association. Kids should visit the dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and early diagnosis of dental problems that might occur. Look for pediatric dentistry in Edmonton to keep up to date with your child’s appointments and maintain their oral health.
How to start infant dental care
Just because your baby’s teeth are barely erupting doesn’t mean you don’t have to care for them. Make sure to brush your baby’s teeth daily using an infant toothbrush specifically designed for small mouths. Use an amount of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice for children under three years old. This daily routine will keep their primary teeth healthy until it’s time for their first visit to the dentist in Edmonton. If you’re still unsure about how to brush your baby’s first teeth properly, you can seek advice at any dental clinic near you. They will be happy to help you establish the correct technique.
How to prevent bacterial contamination
Don’t share eating utensils with your child to prevent harmful bacteria transfer. The bacteria in your saliva, particularly Streptococcus mutans which causes tooth decay, could be transferred to your kid’s mouth and cause cavities. Also, if you have more than one child, try to keep them from sharing saliva through shared utensils or cups for the same reason. This bacterial prevention will also reduce the risk of them getting sick often from other oral infections.
When pacifier use becomes harmful
Using a pacifier after the age of two has been proven to have harmful effects on your child’s dental development in the future. Extended pacifier use can modify their bite pattern, causing orthodontic conditions such as crossbite or overbite. These malocclusion conditions require treatment with an orthodontic specialist to be corrected and can affect proper chewing and speech development. Talk to your local dentist in Edmonton if you don’t know how to start weaning your son or daughter off the pacifier. They could have helpful strategies for you to use during this transition period.
Safe teething pain management methods
The FDA strongly warns against the use of topical teething gels that contain anesthetics like lidocaine or benzocaine. The agency also advises against homeopathic teething tablets containing belladonna. All of these products could be harmful to your kid, to the point of raising their risk of suffering seizures or other serious adverse reactions. Ask a specialist in pediatric dentistry near you about safe ways of managing the symptoms of teething, such as cold teething rings or gentle gum massage.
Why fluoride protects children’s teeth
Having your child receive fluoride treatments is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay in developing teeth. The fluoride mineral acts like a protective barrier that strengthens the enamel of the teeth, making them less prone to develop cavities from acid attacks by bacteria. It’s recommended for children to use fluoridated toothpaste appropriate for their age. Children should also receive professional fluoride treatments at the dentist once every six months as part of their preventive care routine.
How bedtime bottles damage teeth
Don’t put your baby to bed with bottles containing sugary liquids to prevent baby bottle tooth decay. Exposing their teeth to the natural and added sugars present in juices, formula, or milk for several hours at a time is extremely detrimental to their developing teeth. The prolonged sugar exposure promotes the growth of harmful bacteria and plaque formation. This bacterial activity destroys their tooth enamel and causes extensive cavities, often requiring complex dental treatment.
How diet affects children’s oral health
Remember to reduce the amount of sugary processed foods you’re giving to your kids to prevent tooth decay. Feed them a healthy amount of fibrous fruits and vegetables instead, which naturally clean teeth while chewing. These nutritious foods are not only beneficial for their teeth and gums but also support their overall health and proper jaw development. Encourage water consumption over sugary drinks to maintain optimal oral health.
