children's oral health

Tooth decay — the destruction of the hard, outer layer of your teeth (the enamel) — is the most common chronic disease among children. More than 40 percent of children have cavities by the time they reach kindergarten, according to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation®. Safeguard your children’s oral health by being prepared and teaching them to properly care for their teeth.

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preventing tooth decay in children

children's dental care in Washington, DC

Consuming too many sugary drinks and snacks can cause tooth decay. For this reason, you should limit the amount of sugary beverages your child drinks to avoid prolonged exposure of the liquid to teeth. These beverages include soft drinks or sweetened fruit juice. If you give your child a sippy cup for long periods of time, fill it only with water, and don’t allow him or her to take it to bed. When your child begins eating solid foods, you should limit the amount of sugary or starchy snacks, especially food that can get stuck on or between teeth. Your child should avoid, or sparingly consume, cookies, cakes, and candy.

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When Should I Bring My Child to the Dentist?

The ideal time for a first dental visit is six months after your child’s first tooth erupts, or by his or her first birthday. After the first visit, your child should see the dentist every six months. Early dental visits serve to make your child feel comfortable and establish a positive relationship with the dentist so that your child learns and continues great oral hygiene habits.

How Do I Prepare for My Child’s First Dental Visit?

Before your child’s first dental visit, ask the dentist about the procedures that will take place during the first appointment so there are no surprises. Talk with your child about what to expect, and plan a course of action for any negative reactions your child may have. If you can, bring records of your child’s complete medical history for his or her dental file. 

Protecting Your Child’s Oral Health at Home

Bringing your child in for regular dental appointments is important, but what you do every day at home will have a much larger impact on their dental health! Use these best practices to help safeguard your child’s oral health:

Clean your infant’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after each feeding.

Monitor excessive sucking of pacifiers, fingers and thumbs to avoid teeth misalignment.

Encourage your child to drink tap or fountain water. If you buy bottled water, make sure that it is fluoridated. Fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization.

As soon as your child’s first teeth come in, begin brushing them with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and water. If you are considering using toothpaste before your child’s second birthday, be sure to ask your dentist first.

When your child is old enough, encourage him or her to brush to build self-confidence. Always monitor your child’s brushing technique and thoroughness.

The Impact of Pacifiers on Oral Health

Pacifier use is typically acceptable after an infant is one month old and has had sufficient time to develop a healthy breastfeeding habit. However, experts recommend that children stop using pacifiers after their second year. Continued use could result in teeth misalignment and the development of a cross-bite, among other issues. Talk with your dentist if you have any other pacifier questions or concerns.

Contact Us for Information on Pediatric Oral Health

Are you looking to set your children up for dental health success? Let the professionals at DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry help keep your kids smiling! With over 10 years of experience, we know how to serve patients of any age. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment with us.

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For more information on children's oral health or to schedule an appointment, call us at (202) 363-2810  or visit our contact page.

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DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry provides patients with exceptional dental care. Our experienced dentists and staff strive to ensure that each visit is a pleasant experience. We are proud of the relationships we have established with our patients over the years and thank them for their loyalty and trust. To see what our current patients have to say about our comprehensive dental services, check out our reviews! 

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