One of the most commonly made mistakes pediatric dentists see is parents who think oral care for their toddler is not important as the primary teeth are going to fall out anyway. However, by taking action while the child is still a toddler, you can ensure their baby teeth are well-cared for. This helps ensure their permanent teeth will be healthy as well.
One of the main concerns of a pediatric dentist is helping parents teach their toddler good oral care tips. These will help them protect their teeth and instill good habits at a young age. The following are four tips from a pediatric dentist on how to effectively provide good oral care to toddlers:
Perhaps the most important thing to do as it pertains to oral care for toddlers is to simply educate them on the importance of a consistent oral care routine. Of course, reading statistics to them about oral hygiene is likely not going to work. But, walking them through an oral care routine that involves brushing and flossing and teaching them how to use mouthwash is a great place to start.
Remember, the key to good oral care at any age is consistency and attention to detail.
Thumb sucking and the use of a pacifier is entirely normal for toddlers. It is a natural way for them to deal with stress as it helps them relax. Therefore, it should not be discouraged at too young of an age.
However, thumb sucking that continues past the toddler years and continues further into their childhood can cause permanent teeth to shift and lead to malocclusions. It can be helpful to slowly teach your toddler not to suck their thumb the older they get. It is a good idea to urge them to stop after the age of four.
Not only can sugar be bad for a toddler’s general health, but it can also be detrimental to their oral health as well. This is why it is good to limit foods and drinks high in carbohydrates. It is also important to be mindful of any medication your toddler may take and fully understand how it affects their oral health.
By simply having a full understanding of your toddler’s diet and medications, you can keep help ensure they maintain good oral health.
It is encouraged for toddlers to visit their pediatric dentist on a regular basis. This is to determine the development of their primary teeth and diagnose any oral health concerns that exist. A pediatric dentist can also help educate parents on how to effectively teach their toddler good habits. These habits can help them keep a consistent oral care routine as they grow older and become more independent.
If your child is in need of oral care, contact our pediatric dentist office today and schedule a time to come in for a visit.
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