|
A child's dental care initially begins with a mother's healthy pregnancy, as baby teeth are formed before birth. Good hygiene habits should begin before your child's first tooth comes in. Healthy teeth are important to your baby's overall health as teeth can help your baby chew food and form words and sounds when speaking. By taking a few steps early in your baby's life, you can establish a pattern that will ensure your baby continues to have a healthy smile. Your Child's First Visit to the Dentist The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends taking your child to the dentist for an exam by their first birthday. During the initial visit, the dentist will explain proper brushing and flossing techniques as well as help in the early detection of potential dental problems. Your dentist in Troy, MI is trained to handle the wide array of issues associated with kids' dental health in a gentle and kid-friendly atmosphere. Visiting the dentist from a young age will help your child become comfortable with his or her dentist while keeping you educated with the best dental health practices for your child's teeth. Brushing and Flossing When your child's first teeth erupt you should begin cleaning them with a special child's tooth brush. Make tooth brushing a regular activity so that it becomes a vital part of your child's daily routine, brushing at least twice a day and after meals. When your child is about seven years old, teach them how to brush on their own. Make tooth brushing fun by doing it together, and purchase a fun-colored tooth brush and flavored tooth paste to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. Supervise your child while they are learning to brush, and provide plenty of encouragement and praise in order to establish a regular habit of good oral hygiene. Flossing is an important part of good oral health, as well. Start flossing your child's teeth when he or she has teeth that touch each other. Talk to your dentist about the right timing and technique to floss your child's teeth and to teach your child to floss. Diet and Your Child's Teeth Food choices and eating habits which are established during childhood can affect a child's dental health and well-being for the rest of their life. Therefore, it's important for parents to promote a well-balanced diet and limit sugar intake in their child's diet as this is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay. To avoid cavities, have meals and snacks at regular times, and refrain from eating sugary foods and drinks between meals. Nutritional, tooth-friendly snacks include fresh fruits and vegetables, and cheese and crackers. Caring for your child's teeth and gums should begin at an early age. Visit a pediatric Troy dentist and help your child become familiar with the dentist so they'll be less likely to fear dental care as they grow older. Once you understand proper techniques for brushing your child's teeth and the importance of a nutritional diet, you can help your child learn the importance of regular oral hygiene and help them achieve a beautiful, healthy smile into adulthood.
Drs. Carmody and Halsey, Troy cosmetic dentists, are a husband and wife dental team, creating a unique, distinctive twist to the term family dentistry. Taking a friendly, caring approach to each patient Drs. Halsey and Carmody provide crowns, teeth whitening and Troy teeth whitening, among other services.
|
