Good habits start early! Did you know your child should have their first dental visit by their first birthday? Let’s keep your child’s smile healthy and bright for years to come with regular dentist visits and good brushing habits. Remember a healthy smile is important to your child’s development and confidence! Learn how you can set your child up for a healthy smile for life.
Start Early to Prevent Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is 5 times more common than asthma in young children.
Drinking primarily water is best for developing healthy teeth. Tooth decay can result from any other liquids sitting on the teeth, including breast milk, formula, juice, or milk.
Nearly 86% of children will have some form of tooth decay by age 17. It is estimated that about 20% of kids between 2 and 19 years of age have untreated cavities.
Over 51 million hours of school time are missed because of dental-related problems.
Facts About Baby Teeth
Children will have 20 baby teeth by the time they are 3 years old.
The first baby teeth to come in are the bottom middle teeth (central incisors), and they usually come in at between 4 and 10 months of age.
Children begin to lose baby teeth around age 6, but don’t finish losing teeth until around 11 to 12 years of age.
Dental Care Facts
Children should visit a dentist when their first tooth comes in, or at least by their first birthday.
Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss, also to other health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory issues, and more.
A lack of flossing leads to not cleaning 40% of your tooth surfaces.
Most serious dental problems can be avoided with consistent at-home dental care and regular visits to a dentist, which should include regular cleanings and fluoride treatments.
Brushing Techniques
You should begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as one tooth appears.
The recommended amount of time you spend brushing each time is 2 to 3 minutes.
Use an electric toothbrush. They are fun, meaning children are more willing to use them, and they are more effective than regular toothbrushes due to their spinning motion.
It’s important to teach children how to brush their teeth—show them how to do it by doing a complete brushing yourself, and then let them practice on their own teeth so they learn how to do it themselves.
Learn more about TrueCare dental services by texting or calling us today at (760) 736-6767. Or visit one of our many locations across North San Diego and South Riverside Counties.
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