If you have an infant, then you may have some questions about pediatric dentistry. For example, you might be wondering how to help your child avoid cavities in the baby teeth. Or you might be wondering if your child is receiving enough fluoride. Read on to learn more.
When does a child need to have a pediatric dentistry visit?
It is a good idea for parents to take children to the dentist as soon as the first tooth has appeared. Children should have had their first dental visit by the time they turn one. This can help children develop healthy habits from a young age. It can also help a pediatric dentist address any potential issues, such as thumb-sucking.
How can a young child avoid decay?
Many children develop tooth decay at a young age. Nursing and bottle-feeding can both contribute to this. Both milk and juices have sugar on them. If the sugar is left on a child’s teeth for too long, decay can result.
To avoid tooth decay, mothers should not nurse children to sleep. Before bed, children should not have anything to drink besides water. If a child is not drinking from a bottle, it should not be resting in the child’s mouth. As with adults, regular brushing and flossing can prevent tooth decay.
Are dental X-rays harmless?
There is little risk associated with dental X-rays. However, dentists take extra precautions when it comes to children. Children will wear heavy lead aprons during an X-ray. The X-ray will be taken as quickly as possible to minimize the amount of radiation. This will help children to remain as healthy as possible during the X-rays.
What should young children eat?
Parents should provide children with healthy, balanced meals. Avoiding sugar will help the baby teeth remain in place. Parents should not serve starches or sugars. Instead, parents should look for baby foods that contain vegetables, fruits, whole grains and meat or eggs. A pediatric dentist can find foods that will keep baby teeth healthy.
How much fluoride does an infant need?
Fluoride is especially important for young children, whose teeth are still developing. Getting enough fluoride will help children’s teeth become strong. Usually, children will get enough fluoride through drinking water. However, some bottled waters do not have fluoride in them.
Before getting a fluoride supplement for a child, it is a good idea to check with a pediatric dentist. Too much fluoride can cause the teeth to become stained or darkened. A pediatric dentistry practice can recommend the right amount of fluoride for a child.
Choose a pediatric dentistry practice today
Even if your infant does not yet have any teeth, it is a good idea to be planning ahead. The first tooth usually comes in around six months old. You should plan on finding a pediatric dentistry practice shortly after this. Helping your child take care of their teeth can help your child develop healthy habits for a lifetime.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Healthy teeth are a vital part of eating and enjoying food, but certain foods can be more harmful to dental health than others. An important component of oral hygiene basics is learning about foods that help and hurt the teeth. This can allow parents to guide kids' choices when caring for their teeth. Read on…
When it comes to your child's oral hygiene basics, you probably think that changing the foods they consume can strengthen their teeth. However, drinks actually have a large impact on your child's teeth as well because the traces of particles from what they drink stay behind long after they have finished drinking. Here are drinks…
Dental sealants for kids are a great way to help prevent cavities and protect your child's teeth. They are a safe, painless, and cost-effective treatment that can be applied quickly and easily. However, many parents have questions about how dental sealants for kids work and whether they are right for their children. We will answer…
While dentists aim to preserve natural teeth, pediatric tooth extractions are sometimes necessary. This can result from severely decayed teeth, addressing crowding, or making space for incoming permanent (adult) teeth. While the thought of tooth extractions can be concerning for parents, understanding the process and how to care for your child post-procedure can help ensure…