Say cheese!
Children’s Dental Health Month is here and below are some tips on how we can help keep our children’s teeth healthy throughout infancy and into childhood. Did you know that many children entering kindergarten suffer from dental caries? Dental caries are referred to as decayed, missing, or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth between birth and 71 months of age. Don’t fret though, there is plenty we can do to keep our little one’s pearly whites healthy and strong!
Tips on Preventing Early Childhood Dental Caries in Infants:
Avoid filling small children’s bottles with juice. Instead, keep it to breastmilk, formula, or water.
Clean the infant’s gums with a wet cloth or gauze after each feeding.
Avoid sending the infant to bed with a bottle.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking your child to the dentist when they are around 6 months of age or before the child turns 1 year old.
Tips for Healthy Teeth During Childhood:
Offer children a well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole- grains, dairy, and water. If drinking juice, try to limit to 4 ounces per day.
Encourage your child to brush their teeth at least twice per day.
Avoid giving sugary drinks as much as possible and opt for water or sugar-free options such as sparkling water.
When age appropriate, encourage regular flossing.
Take your child to visit the dentist every 6 months.
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