Did you know that caring for your child's smile begins even before their first teeth arrive? It's true! Parents can start wiping their baby's gums with a warm washcloth after meals to help remove excess bacteria from their mouth. This also allows them to acclimate to having oral care.
Here are other helpful tips for parents to protect their little one's precious smile.
#1 The Importance of Dental Check-ups from an Early Age
Did you know that by age two, children should visit their dentist every six months for checks, just like their parents?
Your little one can have their first dental visit around the age of two unless you have any concerns early on. By this age, they can acclimate to the dental chair and have their teeth counted and examined. When they're a bit older and completely comfortable with it, we'll incorporate teeth cleans into their dental visits.
Early visits help them develop a relationship and rapport with our dentists and team so they feel comfortable, safe, and excited about visiting their children's dentist in Neutral Bay.
#2 Early Tooth Decay and Cavity Prevention
Parents often wonder why it's essential to protect baby teeth that eventually fall out. The answer is that your child's tiny teeth have several important jobs to do before they leave!
- Holding space for and guiding adult teeth into position
- Helping your little one form and say their first words
- Introducing your child to the joy of solid foods
If baby teeth are lost or fall out too soon, your little one's oral development may be impacted. Protecting their teeth with daily brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups is the best way to guard your child's baby teeth and future smile.
#3 Teeth-Friendly Diet Tips for Neutral Bay Families
As your little one begins exploring solid foods, help them develop excellent oral habits by encouraging healthy snacks like fruits and veggies. Fruits and vegetables actually neutralise the acids in the mouth that cause tooth decay, protecting your child's teeth from cavities.
Guard their teeth by helping them avoid sugary drinks like sodas or juice and encourage them to drink plenty of water.
#4 Thumb-Sucking and Dental Development
Parents should be aware of the risks and drawbacks of prolonged thumb-sucking habits. Some children find thumb-sucking to be a soothing habit that comforts them, which can make it challenging to give up.
Children who don't give up the habit early on may encounter problems with oral development down the road. Some potential issues are causing the front teeth to flare or creating an open bite where the top and bottom teeth don't meet, making it difficult to chew food properly.
If thumb-sucking is a habit that continues after the toddler years, parents may consider stepping in to help their child quit the habit.
Is It Time for Your Child's First Dental Visit?
If your child is ready for their next or first dental visit, your Sparkling Dental team would love to meet them!
