We get it. Parents have a lot to worry about when it comes to their children’s health and safety. Committing to daily oral hygiene will prevent the pain, inconvenience, and expense of dealing with tooth decay in children.
Even though most parents know the basics of children’s dental care, San Diego pediatric dentists continue to see cavities in young children. At Marcos Ortega DDS our goal is to change this.
Set An Example
It’s essential to make a commitment to daily dental hygiene for yourself. If you have negligent oral hygiene, now is the time to change your ways so you can set an example for your child. You will both be better off.
Start (Very) Early
Caring for your infant’s teeth should start even before they erupt. To prohibit bacteria growth, parents should wash their baby’s gums with a wet washcloth after feedings.
Make The Crib A Bottle-Free Zone
Young children should never be put to bed with a bottle. The sugars in milk or juice that stay on teeth for hours can damage the enamel. When your toddler gets his first tooth, it is time to brush.
Fluoride Warning
Most youngsters ingest toothpaste, so use only a tiny dab of non-fluoride paste until the child turns two. If a child swallows too much fluoride, it can stain teeth.
Go Over Teeth Again After the Child Brushes
When a child is old enough to brush his teeth, instruct them to brush gently but thoroughly for at least two minutes (or longer until they get the hang of it). You can set a timer so your child understands how long they should keep at it.
For young children, an adult must go over them after the child finishes. Many kids thoroughly clean the chewing surfaces but fail to clean the backsides and gumline.
Schedule Snacks
Monitor your child’s meals and snacks. Scheduling snacks and beverages (not including water) to set times during the day can also guard against cavities.
Youngsters should see a pediatric dentist when their first tooth appears.
Let’s work together to prevent childhood tooth decay.
Contact Marcos Ortega DDS:
619-860-0032
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
306 Walnut Ave Ste 25
San Diego, California
92103