Did you know that tooth decay is on the rise in children?
Part of the reason for this is that many parents don’t understand why it’s so important to care for their children’s teeth. After all, the baby teeth will eventually fall out anyway, does it really matter if they have cavities? In fact, it does matter. Decay can spread from the baby teeth to the permanent teeth that sit below the gum line. As February is Children’s Dental Health Month, the experts at our daycare in Columbia have come up with these tips for promoting good oral health in your child:
#1. Take your child in for a checkup.
When it comes to dental care, it is much easier and more affordable to prevent a problem than it is to deal with it later. That is why it’s so important for you to take your child in for checkups early and often. Your dentist will be able to alert you to any issues and give you advice on taking care of your child’s teeth.
#2. Limit the number of sweets you give your child.
A high-sugar diet is one of the main reasons why so many children in the United States suffer from dental decay. Replace sugary juices, candy and snacks with water and snacks that are low in sugar (or don’t contain any sugar at all).
#3. Only fill your child’s sippy cup with water.
When your child drinks out of a sippy cup filled with juice, soda or other sugar beverages, it causes the sugar to stay in his or her mouth for longer. This increases the risk for decay.
One of the best things you can do to keep your child’s mouth healthy is to teach good habits. Stay tuned for our next blog to learn tips for encouraging your child to take care of his or her teeth.