{"id":540,"date":"2016-02-03T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-02-03T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mydentalpracticeblog.com\/\/template2\/dental-care-blog\/give-your-kids-a-jumpstart-on-oral-health-care-2\/"},"modified":"2016-02-03T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2016-02-03T00:00:00","slug":"give-your-kids-a-jumpstart-on-oral-health-care-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mydentalpracticeblog.com\/graystonedental\/dental-care-blog\/give-your-kids-a-jumpstart-on-oral-health-care-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Give Your Kids A Jumpstart On Oral Health Care!"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n

\"\" YOUR CHILD\u2019S BABY TEETH<\/strong> are just as important as their permanent teeth. Kids may not keep their first teeth forever, but they require just as much diligent care as future permanent teeth. In fact, maintaining your child\u2019s dental health when they are young will provide health benefits well into adulthood as well as set them on the right track of good oral health habits! <\/p>\n

Some Children Don\u2019t Get The Preventive Dental Care They Need<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Early childhood caries\u2014more commonly known as a\u00a0dental cavity\u2014is\u00a0the number one<\/a> chronic disease affecting young children. In light of this statistic, you may be surprised to learn that one quarter<\/a> of children between ages three and\u00a018 don\u2019t visit the dentist at all! Although common, dental diseases like tooth decay and gum disease are quite preventable, especially when healthy habits are taught during early childhood. <\/p>\n

Start Oral Health Regimens Early<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Even before your child\u2019s teeth have erupted, an infant\u2019s gums should be wiped down with a wet cloth or gauze after eating to protect from bacteria. The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday\u00a0or as soon as their first tooth appears. At this visit, your dentist can teach you more about proper pediatric oral hygiene and check for cavities. As soon as your child turns two, establish a daily brushing routine. As your child gets older, there are two specific treatments we recommend to prevent tooth decay. These treatments are: <\/p>\n

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    • Topical Fluoride<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 By applying fluoride directly to your child\u2019s teeth in higher concentrations than found in toothpaste or water, they will be more protected and resistant to decay.<\/li>\n
    • Dental Sealants<\/strong> \u2013 These are thin, plastic coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth to prevent tooth decay. Even thorough brushing and flossing can\u2019t always get into the depressions and grooves of the molars. Sealants form a protective shield over these vulnerable areas, keeping out plaque and food. Generally, children should get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as they come in.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul>\n