Things to Know About Your Child’s Oral Health this Children’s Dental Health Month

The American Dental Association observes National Children’s Dental Health Month in February. This month-long national health observance emphasizes the importance of dental health in children while also providing tips and clearing the doubts parents might have about keeping their child’s smile on track!  

It’s natural for parents to have questions for their child’s dentist, and we’re here to answer them.  

When should your child have their first dental exam? 

Children should see a pediatric dentist as soon as their first teeth develop or no later than their first birthday. This will allow you and the dentist to track your child’s growth and make the kid accustomed to visiting the dentist regularly. 

When should we begin brushing our children’s teeth? 

Begin brushing as soon as the child’s first tooth appears, around 6-7 months. It is best to wait until your child is at least 18 months before using toothpaste. Brush your child’s teeth until they are between 8 and 10. If your child is ready, let them brush without your assistance. 

When should kids begin flossing? 

When your child’s teeth begin to appear, you should keep a close eye on them to check if they are touching. It’s a good idea to start flossing between them as soon as you notice this. Most kids will reach this phase around the age of 4.  

Should we fix cavities in baby teeth? 

Baby teeth are essential because they serve as placeholders for permanent teeth. In addition, if cavities are not treated, a kid may develop an infection or pain and cause spacing abnormalities that can lead to adult tooth problems. For these reasons, it’s critical to have your child’s baby teeth evaluated by the dentist regularly. 

What to do if the baby tooth is knocked/cracked out too soon? 

You can take several steps if your child loses a baby tooth due to a fall or accident. First, clean the tooth with milk, and do not touch the root with your fingers. Next, replace the tooth in the socket gently. Apply sterile gauze to the affected region and have your child bite down. If you cannot reattach the tooth yourself, place it in a clean milk container and contact your dentist immediately. A baby tooth can be reattached if you act quickly.  

How can I stop my child from sucking their thumb? 

Most children stop sucking their thumbs between the ages of 2 and 4. Several apparatuses are available to assist kids in breaking the habit, but simply talking to the child about it and continually checking for the behavior works best. 

Is it safe for my child to have x-rays?  

X-rays are a standard component of adult dental checkups, but because they expose a child to radiation, it is reasonable for you to fear. However, the risk associated with this extremely low radiation dose is non-existent. And our dental office uses safer x-ray practices. 

Nobody is more concerned about your child’s well-being than you are. This list is not intended to answer every dental question as a parent you may have. If you have a question that isn’t on this list, feel free to reach out to us at 1-888-682-7286 with your question or fix an appointment for your child. Our dentists and staff at Bravo! Dental are always on the go to give oral health information and promote awareness of the need for kids’ dental care at a young age.