Kids Oral Care (Brushing, Nutrition, Check-Ups) Bloomfield NJ
Path To Improved Health: Kids Oral Care (Brushing, Nutrition, Check-Ups)
Every parent should prioritize their children’s dental care to prevent any long-term issues. It is especially important when kids have cavities or gum disease. The earlier you start taking care of your kid’s teeth, the fewer problems they will have later on with their oral health.
The first step is teaching your kids the importance of brushing their teeth at least twice a day. This will help remove plaque buildup and bacteria that can lead to cavities or gum disease.
It is also important to help your kids develop healthy eating habits. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Avoid sugary drinks and snacks as much as possible.
Finally, take your kids to the dentist for regular check-ups. This will help identify any problems early on and allow prompt treatment. Regular dental care is essential to keeping your kids healthy and preventing oral health problems down the road.
Not sure how often your kid should go to the dentist? You’re not alone. Most parents want to prevent cavities but aren’t always sure of the best way to do that. Check out these comprehensive tips for more information from True Dental Care.
Don't Let Your Kids Fall Behind in Oral Care: Cavities Statistics
Did you know that dental cavities are the most prevalent chronic condition affecting school-aged children?
- A study found that most kids aged 6-8 have at least one cavity in their baby teeth.
- If you’re a parent with adolescents, know that you’re not alone when more than half of all adolescents have had cavities in their permanent teeth.
- Children from low-income families are 2x as likely to have cavities – approximately 25% of children in low income households experience cavities, as opposed to 11% in households not identified as low income.
On Brushing: Care At Home
It’s beneficial to train children early on in life to take care of their teeth by brushing them as soon as the first tooth comes in. Babies and toddlers will need an adult to brush their teeth twice a day using a small, soft toothbrush.
For babies whose teeth have not yet come in, cleaning the gums with a cloth is recommended by doctors. As soon as teeth start pushing through, begin using water on a toothbrush to clean them. According to pediatricians, parents can use a pea-sized amount of age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste on children aged 18 months old up to six years old.
Children as young as two can start brushing their teeth with adult supervision. It is essential to have help when cleaning teeth until they are around eight years old so that they brush correctly. Moreover, parents should teach their children to floss daily once their teeth start fitting closely together, typically between two and six years old.
For Babies and Infants
- Parents should wipe their baby’s gums with a soft, clean cloth twice a day: once in the morning after breakfast and again at night before bed. By doing so, you’ll remove bacteria and sugars that could cause cavities.
- As your child’s teeth come in, brush them twice a day with plain water and a soft toothbrush with small, soft bristles.
- Please bring your child to the dentist before their first birthday so you can avoid any future dental issues.
- You must speak with your dentist or doctor about fluoride varnish as soon as your child gets their first tooth.
- If you have children under two years old, always consult your doctor or dentist before using fluoride toothpaste.
For Kids and Children
- Parents should have their children brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to ensure dental health.
- Parents should help their children brush their teeth until they have developed good brushing skills.
- For children under the age of six, always watch them brush their teeth. Ensure they use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and always spit it out rather than swallow.
- Ask your child’s dentist about dental sealants and when would be the appropriate time to use a sealant.
- Consuming tap water that has fluoride will help ensure strong teeth.
Keep Your Kids' Teeth Healthy and Clean
If brushing your teeth is fun and part of a daily routine, young children are more likely to do it regularly.
A few ways to keep small children motivated to brush their teeth are:
- Singing songs is a great way to brush teeth with others (siblings or parents). It’s fun and interactive and gets everyone involved in the process.
- Kids can pick out their toothbrush, whether it has characters from a movie printed on it or is just their favorite color. Either way, brushing with this brush will be fun!
- Children imitate their parents, so let them feel like they are doing what you’re doing by giving them a toothbrush to brush their toy’s teeth while you brush theirs.
The correlation between your child's nutrition and their dental health
Many experts agree that a diet consisting of food from all the major food groups is necessary for proper child growth and health. Too many sugary foods and drinks can cause tooth decay. This includes sweets like cake and cookies and savory snacks like pretzels and potato chips. The main cause of tooth decay is the length of time that carbohydrates stay on the teeth.
Use these tips to help ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy:
- Keep healthier snacks in the house, like fruits and vegetables. Opt for fruits and vegetables with higher water content, such as pears, melons, celery, and cucumbers. Limit bananas and raisins, though, since they have more sugar. Make sure to brush teeth right after eating these fruits too (or rinse with water if brushing is not possible).
- Cheese can enhance any meal, whether it’s lunch or a snack. Types of cheese, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Swiss, help to trigger saliva production. This increased saliva flow helps clean food particles away from teeth as well as strengthen the enamel.
- Steer clear of sticky, chewy foods. It’s more difficult for saliva to wash away foods like raisins, dried figs, granola bars, oatmeal or peanut butter cookies, jelly beans, and other sticky snacks. If your child eats these foods, have them brush their teeth right afterward.
- Save sugary treats for mealtime, not as snacks. Always give your child dessert after a meal if you plan to let them have sweets. Usually, people produce more saliva around mealtimes, which helps to clear food away from their teeth. Not only does water help to wash away food particles on teeth, but it can also help prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Try to limit the number of snacks your children eat. It is not the amount you consume while snacking that matters, but rather how often you snack. The time between meals allows saliva to wash away food particles that bacteria would otherwise feast on. Bacteria feast on the sugar and carbs in snacks, which leads to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Brushing immediately after snacking can help minimize damage.
- Steer clear of sugary snacks that stick to your teeth. Hard candies, cough drops, mints, and other sugary lollipops also contribute to tooth decay.
- Purchase unsweetened or sugar-free foods and drinks to help keep blood sugar levels stable.
Good sources of calcium are important for building strong teeth in children. Some good sources of calcium include milk, broccoli, cheese and yogurt.
The correlation between your child's nutrition and their dental health.
Take your child to visit the dentist at least once every six months or as your dental professional recommends. This allows the dentist to inspect your child’s teeth for potential problems. Pediatric dentists focus on tooth care for children. Our pediatric dentist will go over proper oral hygiene with you.
Kids who visit the dentist from a young age are generally more comfortable with the event. They’re also more likely to establish the good habit of seeing the dentist regularly. For everyone’s dental health, it’s recommended that people see a dentist at least twice per year.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible if:
- If your child is complaining of tooth pain or you suspect a mouth infection – it’s time to take action.
- If your child’s tooth is knocked out by accident and you’re lucky enough to find it, store it in milk and bring it to the dentist as soon as possible. In some cases, the tooth can be reattached.
Final Thoughts
It’s no secret that taking care of your teeth is important. After all, a healthy smile is essential for both our physical and mental well-being. When it comes to dental care, though, it’s not just adults who need to be concerned. It’s important to ensure that our kids are taking good care of their teeth as well.
That’s why True Dental Care is the best option for your child’s oral health. We offer a wide range of services, from teeth cleaning and check-ups to nutritional advice and assistance with developing brushing techniques. Our experienced and qualified staff are dedicated to providing the best possible care for your child, and we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have. So why wait? Book an appointment today and give your child the gift of a lifetime of good oral health.
To Learn More About Kids Oral Care Or To Book An Appointment Call Our Friendly Staff At 862-285-9066
Other Services
- General Dentist
- Pediatric Dentist
- Dental Cleaning
- Kids Oral Care
- Kid-Friendly Dentist
- Dental Exam
- Dental X-Rays
- Family Dentist
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Teeth Whitening
- Gum Disease
- Clear Braces
- Clear Aligners
- Tooth Extractions
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Sealants
- Root Canal Treatment
- Sedation Dentist
- Frenectomy / Tongue-Tie Treatment
