A smile can say so much about a child. It can indicate how well they are feeling emotionally and physically, as well as their confidence level. And a great smile can help build confidence in children. So it’s important to maintain that smile through good dental hygiene.
Dental care should start during infancy, upon the arrival of the first tooth. It is important to start brushing baby teeth to keep them healthy, because they will later be replaced by adult teeth – which usually begin to come in when he or she is 6 years old.
There are several types of infant toothbrushes that can help with the gum irritation of teething. There are also various toothbrushes for toddlers’ different stages of development into childhood. All ages should have their teeth brushed with fluoride toothpaste that is specifically designed for infants and small children.
Parents should teach children to brush their teeth twice a day, as recommended by the American Dental Association. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and help prevent dental cavities.
It’s also important that children visit pediatric dentists regularly for preventative care. Though some people may be nervous about seeing a dentist. However, United States professionals, dentists have been listed among the top 10 most trusted and ethical. And proper dental hygiene can mean positive trips to the family dentists.
Dentists can detect dental problems or potential problems. The most common issue with children’s teeth is tooth decay, which occurs five times more often than childhood asthma and 20 times more often than diabetes. Children that do not have access to general dentistry may have undetected, yet easily treatable dental issues. Among children between five and 19, close to 18.6% suffer from cavities that go untreated.
By the time children are in kindergarten, over 40% have had dental cavities. As a result of poor oral health that could lead to dental pain, children are more three times more likely to miss school or have to leave school early. Due to dental related illnesses, children lose 51 million hours of school each year, as reported by the Center for Health and Health Care in Schools.
Dentists can provide additional information and tips to make brushing teeth twice daily a healthy habit, as well as any preventative care that may be needed, which could help children maintain healthily teeth and gums. With regular visits to the family or pediatric dentists, children can experience better oral health and maintain their smiles for a lifetime.
