One out of five preschoolers have untreated tooth decay, and almost 90 percent of kids have some degree of decay by the time they are in their last year of high school. According to studies, kids miss out on more than 50 million hours of school every year due to dental problems. Many people think of primary teeth as simply milk teeth or teeth that are unimportant, but they are, in fact, critical. Not only do these teeth help children learn healthy dental habits, but they also serve as placeholders for secondary teeth, help children learn to speak properly, allow children to eat a varied diet, and give them confidence with their friends. If you are looking for a “dentist near me” who can help you learn to take care of your child’s teeth, we can help.
Keeping your children’s teeth healthy can be one of the best gifts you can give them. You can do this by teaching your child healthy dental habits right from the start. Some simple steps include:
1. Cleaning your child’s gums after each feed. Use a soft cloth to clean your child’s gums, and once teeth begin to erupt, you can begin using a soft baby toothbrush to clean them. Do not put your child to bed with a bottle or sippy cup with formula, milk, juice, or other sweet drinks.
2. Bringing your child for dental visits once their first tooth appears or by the time she or he reaches 12 months of age. These early dental visits help your child become better acquainted with us and comfortable with the idea of dental care, but they also can be great ways for you to learn more about keeping your child’s teeth healthy.
3. Feeding your child a balanced diet. Once your child is weaned, encourage your child to eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, protein, and whole grains. Give your child milk or fluoridated water to drink, and limit their intake of juice, sweetened drinks, and processed or sugary snacks.
Call us to learn more or to schedule your appointment with Dr. Martirosyan, our kids dentist in Glendale.