Mistakes to avoid when caring for your kid’s teeth

 

Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most common issues that affect infants in the USA. And around 40% of children have tooth decay by the time they enter kindergarten. This is not great news because not only do cavities cause pain and infection, data shows that children with tooth decay are much more likely to miss out on school and score poorly. Moreover, tooth decay is often linked to a higher risk of health problems. Hence, it is of utmost importance for parents to take care of their kids’ dental health. First and foremost, it is advisable to start taking them to the Pediatric Dentistry in Carlsbad as soon as their first tooth erupts or at least before they turn seven. 

 

Things to Keep in Mind when Caring for Your Kid’s Teeth 

 

Moreover, kids are highly dependent on parents for the upkeep of their overall well-being. When it comes to dental care, they have even less clue about the right technique for brushing or the kind of products they should be using. 

 

For the most part, from infancy to late teen years, people usually use the products that are available at their home and form habits that they’ve seen adults around them practicing. And even as adults, most people continue these practices as well. Thus, the habits formed during their formative years, remain with people throughout their lives. This is another reason why it is advised to take your kids to the Carlsbad pediatric dentist. Regular appointments will not make them fear dental appointments in the future. The following are some other mistakes that should be avoided when looking after kids: 

Skipping Fluoride 

Fluoride is great for preventing tooth decay. You may have heard that too much fluoride is not good either as it can cause fluorosis but it is definitely not a reason to skip fluoride entirely. As soon as your child has visible teeth, you can start using fluoride toothpaste. However, make sure to use the right amount. For kids younger than 3 years, a rice-grain-sized amount of toothpaste is recommended whereas for kids older than 3 pea-sized amounts can be used. 

Not Brushing Regularly 

Whether you are a stay-at-home parent or you need to rush to the office, mornings are simply a busy time for everybody. There’s breakfast to make, lunch to pack, and review your whole day. All of this often leaves no time for parents to supervise their kids’ brushing or help them brush their teeth. However, it is important to remember that regular brushing is the key to preventing dental caries. 

Giving them Sticky Candies 

You may already be aware that sugar is bad for teeth. However, sticky candies, toffee, gummy bears, and caramel can remain stuck on the surface of the teeth for a long time. Such sticky candies usually remain stuck on them till the next time teeth are brushed. Moreover, if your kid has crooked teeth, then they can also get stuck in crevices which are even more difficult to remove. You should also consider going to the Carlsbad orthodontist for getting your kid’s teeth straightened in such a case. 

 

Conclusion 

You can’t stop kids from consuming sugary foods altogether. However, limiting it is advisable. Apart from these mistakes, you also need to ensure that you don’t miss any dental appointments. When it comes to dental care, consistency and regularity is the key. If there is an issue that requires orthodontic treatment then your dentist can refer an Orthodontist in Carlsbad.