Helping Your Child Have A Cavity-Free Childhood!

The most common childhood disease is tooth decay, and the CDC has discovered that around 20% of childhood cavities are left untreated. This is a sobering statistic and it saddens everyone here at Great Outdoors Pediatric Dentistry. This is because almost all childhood cavities are entirely preventable and don’t need to occur at all!

Below are a few ways for parents to make sure that their children experience a childhood free from cavities and tooth decay. Our highest priority is the comfort and health of your children!

1. Find A Pediatric Dentist By Your Child’s First Birthday – The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists has recommended that you find a dentist for your child by the eruption of their first tooth or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. However, in many cases, we don’t see a child for the first time until there’s already a problem with his or her teeth.
2. Consider Sealants For Your Child – Sealants are incredibly effective, yet rarely utilized. Sealants are a thin plastic coating applied directly to your child’s enamel. It helps to seal all the hard-to-reach places on your child’s vulnerable teeth. Sealants are less expensive and involve zero discomfort, making them far more favorable than cavity treatments.
3. Never Put Your Child To Bed With Milk Or Juice – “Bottle rot” is a term used for the type of dental decay that occurs when children are routinely put to bed with anything other than water. Other liquids will coat your child’s teeth for the entire time they’re asleep, allowing them to cause more damage.
4. Start Oral Hygiene Early – Even before your child’s first tooth appears, you can begin taking care of their mouth. Use a damp cloth or a finger brush to wipe your baby’s gum clean, preventing bacteria and protecting any emerging teeth. Teach your small children how to brush their own teeth, but make sure to follow it up with a more thorough brushing.
5. Set A Good Example – By modeling good dental habits for your child, you can help them stay cavity-free. Children do what they see, so make brushing a family activity! Brush your teeth together and allow your children to watch you brush and floss your own teeth daily.

We want your kids to have healthy, beautiful smiles! Please bring them to our office by their first tooth or their first birthday to make sure you’re helping them build a foundation of good oral hygiene!

To make an appointment, please contact Great Outdoors Pediatric Dentistry today! Our pediatric dental office is located in Dover, New Hampshire!