Pediatric Oral Health in Palos Heights
Tooth decay is exceedingly common in children, which means that keeping up with your child’s oral health is extremely important, especially in their first few weeks. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics report that tooth decay is the most common chronic children’s disease in the county.
Since preventing this disease begins even just in the first weeks of your baby’s life, many parents talk about the best prevention methods with a pediatrician. Here’s some great tips for preventing tooth decay in your infant:
- Check the teeth: Be sure to check on the baby teeth regularly. The teeth should be all one color, so if you see any spots or stains on the teeth, be sure to visit a dentist right away as this can be a sign of early decay. Check for new teeth regularly to make sure you can properly care for each one!
- Fluoride: Fluoride is found in many foods, and also some tap water. This mineral can help strengthen tooth enamel, which helps your baby’s teeth become more resistant to things that break down teeth. Fluoride can also reduce the chances of plaque to become an issue.
- Clean the teeth: As soon as your baby has teeth, begin to spread a small amount of fluoride toothpaste onto the teeth twice daily. By the time your child turns 3, you can use slightly larger amounts of toothpaste, but you should not rinse after cleaning the teeth.
- Healthy diet: Be cautious of the food and drink that you feed your infant. Sugary drinks and foods can add to the risk of early tooth decay. Stick with fruits and veggies, and avoid sticky foods as well.
Contact Palos Pediatric Dentistry
Early oral healthcare is so important, so you want to be sure to consult your pediatrician on the best ways to evaluate and treat your child’s teeth. Then, once your child is about 6 months old, you can start to visit an experienced pediatric dentist.
If you have any questions about pediatric dental care or early oral health habits, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you care for your young child, and continuing to help your child grow in great oral health habits. Give us a call today to get started.
