Pediatric oral health care starts early at Lovett Dental Heights. Your child’s oral health should start from the day they are born and last a lifetime. The habits your child learn during their early years will be with them for their entire life. Teeth that start out strong will have a better chance of remaining strong. Strong teeth, however, don’t just happen. Good oral health must be consistently worked on before the first tooth even appears. Learn more about some of the ways we help parents see that their child’s teeth start out healthy and remain strong.
1. Start Oral Care Early
Before your baby gets their first tooth, you should make a habit of wiping their gums with a soft, damp cloth to help remove the coating from the formula. This helps stimulate their gums and keep them strong for the baby teeth that are soon to emerge. By the time your child is six months of age, have them see a dentist for the first time. This initial visit will help get your baby used to someone new being close to their mouth. It will also give the dentist a chance to see if there are any physiological problems that may end up being a problem later. Pediatric oral health care will soon be considered a normal part of your child’s life.
2. Regular Checkups and Cleanings
Baby teeth are often neglected because parents believe they are only temporary, so they must not be important. This isn’t accurate. Baby teeth help hold places for adult teeth to grow in properly. They also keep the gums healthy. In some cases, an adult tooth may not be present and the baby tooth may end up following your child into adulthood. As soon as baby teeth make an appearance, use a soft brush intended for these small teeth and gently brush the teeth and gums. When your child is old enough to hold the brush, teach them proper brushing and flossing techniques. Schedule dental checkups and teeth cleanings every six months. The dentist may also suggest some type of sealant that can help strengthen the enamel. Never allow your child to go to sleep with a bottle of any liquid besides water. Sugary drinks will stay with your child all night, giving bacteria a place to take hold and grow.
3. Catch Problems Early
With regular visits, problems can be caught early and fixed. The dentist will be able to note any teeth that aren’t growing in straight and provide measures that will help straighten the teeth while they are still easy to fix. If your child loses a baby tooth due to an accident, the dentist can provide a replacement that will allow the empty space to stay open for the permanent tooth to grow in straight. Fixing teeth while a child is young and their mouth is still growing will provide them with a healthy, bright smile that will last them a lifetime. Introducing proper oral health techniques now will be one of the best lessons you can give your child.
Why Trust Lovett Dental Heights?
Here at Lovett Dental Heights, your children’s teeth are important to us. We are a family-oriented practice that strives to meet the needs of everyone from the youngest infant to geriatric patients. Our knowledgeable staff understands that one bad visit can cause a person to avoid dentists for the rest of their lifetime, and we don’t want to see that happen to your child. From the first time you contact us at 832-767-2210, we do everything possible to make your child feel comfortable and make you feel you have placed your trust wisely. Reach out today to start your child on a lifelong journey to good oral health.
