We’re just a short time away from the most exciting time of the year, well, in most kid’s opinion. The holidays are all about gift giving, spending time with your loved ones, and good food – including sweet treats like deserts and candy.
As a parent, it’s a fine line to walk between protecting your children’s teeth and not ruining the holiday spirit. But it’s still important to prioritize your children’s teeth over their sugary desires. Your children’s dentist in Center is here to help you realize what sugar really does to baby teeth.
The Truth About Tooth Decay for Kids
USA Today reported that kid’s tooth decay has reached epidemic proportions. In the article, a study was highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In that study, researchers found that just about half of children aged 2 to 11 have already had cavities in their little baby teeth. Believe it or not, it gets worse. 21% of those children continued to have cavities in their permanent teeth as they grow older.
After reviewing the study, the article came to these main points:
- Kids frequently exposed to sugary foods and drinks are at a higher risk of early tooth decay.
- Children should visit their dentist at least by the time they’re turned 1.
- It’s important to instill good oral hygiene habits early in a child’s life.
It’s important to keep your children’s baby teeth and gums strong with healthy choices because they lay the foundation for their natural teeth to develop into. Without a healthy foundation, their permanent teeth may have issues developing correctly or may not even be able to develop, becoming enclosed beneath the gum line.
What does your local family dentist do for you and your child during their first visit?
When it comes to keeping your child’s primary teeth healthy, there’s no better way than to start with dental appointments. Pediatric dental care keeps primary teeth strong by cleaning away dental debris and lowering the chances of developing tooth decay.
During their first few appointments, your child will be able to get comfortable and build a friendly relationship with their dentist. They will also receive comprehensive cleanings infused with preventive products like fluoride or dental sealants, all you have to do is ask! You and your child can benefit from the very first appointment in these ways:
- Hands-on learning experiences about proper dental care.
- Protection against cavities with dental sealants and fluoride treatment.
- Thorough head, neck, and mouth examinations to ensure development is going smoothly.
- Professional cleanings to remove harmful dental plaque and debris.
Even when it comes to the holidays, you and your child can benefit from speaking with a kid’s dentist in Center. Your dentist will be able to give you helpful tips about what to do with all of the sweets and how to balance good oral health and fun holiday activities.
About Our Office
Parents begin taking their children trick-or-treating at a very young age. We offer dental care for children as young as six months old to 20 years old! Dr. Youngblood and Dr. Martinez offer comprehensive care throughout your child’s dental development. If you would like to speak to either of our expert dentists, feel free to give our Center office a call.