3 Facts Every Parent Should Know About Their Child’s Teeth

Sometimes, parents are surprised to learn that pediatric dentistry is its own unique specialty. This is because children’s teeth are obviously incredibly different from those of adults, as are their particular dental needs.

This also means that parents often have a lot to learn in order to take care of their children’s oral health. Here are some dental facts that you ought to know if you’re a parent.

Tooth Decay Is Incredibly Common Among Children

As a parent, one of the main things you need to worry about in terms of oral health problems is tooth decay. According to the CDC, around 42% of children will develop a cavity sometime between the ages of 2 and 11, making them 5 times more common than childhood asthma and 20 times more common than childhood diabetes. This being the case, it’s deeply important that you help your child develop good oral health habits early.

Children Should Have a Dentist by 1 Years Old

One decision that patients often struggle with early on is when they should start taking their child to dentist. There are two answers to this question: children should have their first trip to the dentist by the time they are one year old. This allows the dentist to check on the formation of the teeth underneath the gums as well as the health of the gums themselves.

The other circumstance where it may be a good idea to talk to a dentist is when your child’s first tooth begins to emerge. Checking for early signs of decay and for healthy formation of the enamel is important, and this gives your dentist an opportunity to help you.

Fluoride is Important (But Kids Can Use Too Much)

The body doesn’t grow more enamel, which is why it’s critical to be proactive about protecting your child’s teeth. Fluoride is one of the best ways to do this; the body can use this mineral to remineralize and strengthen the enamel. For this reason, you should make it a point to brush your child’s teeth with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste.

However, too much fluoride can potentially lead to a condition called fluorosis, which may actually make the teeth more brittle. This really only happens if children accidentally swallow a lot of fluoride toothpaste, so you should be sure to watch your kids when they brush.

About Our Practice

At Midland Kid’s Dentist, we know that may parents are nervous about taking their children to the dentist’s, to say nothing about how the children themselves feel. Thankfully, we’re confident in our ability to do things differently; we’re a comfortable dental office that will make you and your family feel completely at home, providing your child with plenty of personalized attention. That being the case, even the most anxious patients can learn to actually enjoy dentistry under our care.

If you have any questions about your child’s dental health, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (432) 520-5437.