In the Know for You to Know
Growing up I was always the child in the dental chair. Every check up it was as if I was destined to have another cavity. My parents chalked it up to “soft teeth run in the family.”
Then I went to dental school, got married, had children and became a pediatric dentist. Along the way I learned some tips and tricks that wouldn’t leave our children’s oral health up to genetics or luck. Today I’m happy to say that this approach has kept our children from having cavities and crooked teeth.
My fellow parents, it is not luck that contributes to good teeth, it’s about planning, consistency and adaptability. I want to share with you what I did to help decrease the family trend of cavities and crowded teeth for my children from when they were infants through their teenage years.
Decreasing The Family Trend For Cavities And Crowded Teeth
1. Before your child’s first tooth comes in it is important to wipe their gums with a damp washcloth after each feeding and before nap and bed-time.
2. Teething rings should be placed in the refrigerator only, never in the freezer. You never want anything to freeze to your child’s gums.
3. As soon as your child’s first tooth peaks through their gums it is important to start brushing with a rice grain size amount of fluoridated toothpaste twice a day.
4. For your pre-K child (over 3 years old) brush twice a day with a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste and there’s no swallowing.
5. You can protect your child from having fear of the dentist. As parents, we’re always saying that words and actions matter.
6. Orthodontic treatment may be beneficial even before your child’s permanent teeth come in.
7. Mouth guards are recommended to protect your child’s teeth from sports injuries.
8. Sealants are effective in preventing cavities on molars by forming a protective coating over the deep crevices so food doesn’t get caught in the grooves.
9. Always replace your child’s toothbrush after an illness.
With everything you have to do, it may be tempting to skip a day. Turns out diligence is the key.
Help Us Help You
Do you have tip you’d like to share? What’s your strategy? We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
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