Posted by Meghan Weaver on Wed, Apr 21, 2010 @ 09:19 AM
Experts say that healthy smiles lead to healthy bodies. This is not just true for adults but for children too. A proactive and comprehensive oral health regimen can make a world of difference in your child's health, especially when you start it early.
Here are 5 things parents should know about their child's oral health.
1. Baby teeth are just as important as permanent teeth!
That's because strong, healthy baby teeth enable proper speech and help your child get the nutrition he or she needs to grow and flourish. Neglecting your child's baby teeth can lead to early periodontal disease and harm the development of permanent teeth.
2. Dental sealants are the number one way to reduce childhood cavities
Dental sealants are like protective armor for your child's most vulnerable teeth-their molars. Molars have deep crevices which are among the most common places for dental cavities to form. Dental sealants contain a protective solution that fills these deep gaps and keeps cavities away.
3. Pacifiers and thumb-sucking cause damage to permanent teeth
Babies love their pacifiers and many children develop thumb sucking habits, it's only natural right?
However, it can start doing damage to a child's teeth once permanent teeth start to arrive. So, if your child is still sucking his or her thumb or won't part with a favorite pacifier after already having lost a few baby teeth, you should definitely take major steps to wean them off of it.
4. Fluoride flushes out the cavities and strengthens enamel
When your child goes to the dentist, make sure he or she gets a fluoride treatments. It's an essential way to ward off bacteria, and strengthen tooth enamel against decay.
5. The healthy brushing habits your teach your child last a lifetime
Children don't develop the dexterity necessary for proper tooth brushing until they reach age seven. That's why parents of young children should still brush their teeth (even if the child has begun brushing his or her teeth on their own).
Also parents that place a huge emphasis on the importance of brushing teeth at least twice per-day (and brushing them the right way) will help their children develop a very good habit that lasts a lifetime.
Parents should care just as much about their child's teeth as they would their general health because good general health begins in the mouth. By understanding these five main dental health needs for your child, you can ensure they'll keep a healthy smile as they grow up healthy and strong.
