Are you unsure of how to care for your child’s growing smile? Don’t be discouraged – it’s not like there is a one-size-fits-all guidebook to help! While your child’s dentist is a great resource, sometimes learning a few important facts about children’s dentistry is all that’s needed to help guide you. With this in mind, keep reading to learn five things you may not know about the topic!
Fact #1: More than 42% of Children Between 2 and 11 Will Have a Cavity
It’s true! Five times more common than childhood asthma and 20 times more common than diabetes, tooth decay is the most common childhood disease. If that wasn’t shocking enough, a whopping 90% of Americans have had at least one cavity by their 21st birthday. That’s why it’s so important that you help your little one keep their teeth decay-free! Some good habits to reinforce are brushing twice a day and limiting foods and drinks with added sugar.
Fact #2: Candy Isn’t the Only Cause of Tooth Decay
Sugar is one of the number one culprits of tooth decay. Of course, it isn’t the only one. Starchy foods (like cookies and crackers), a poor oral hygiene routine, and unhealthy dental habits can also increase your child’s chances of developing a cavity.
Fact #3: It’s Possible for Children to “Catch” Cavities
Did you know that 71% of tooth decay cases are passed from a mother to her infant? Primarily, this is a result of parents sharing utensils, blowing on food, and “cleaning” pacifiers with their mouths. However, it’s worth mentioning that the bacteria can also transfer through kissing. So, it’s of the utmost importance that you prioritize your oral health too!
Fact #4: Dental Problems Can Negatively Impact Academic Performance
In addition to impacting your child’s bite and overall health, dental problems can negatively impact their academic success. In fact, when roughly 40,000 students were studied, those with dental problems were more likely to miss valuable time in the classroom and less likely to complete all required homework. For this reason, it’s important to schedule your child’s biannual checkup and cleaning before the school year starts.
Fact #5: Your Child Should Begin Visiting Their Dentist at Age One
In short, your child’s biannual checkups and cleanings should begin at age one (or sooner if they lose their first tooth before then). These routine visits play a key role in catching cavities in the early stages, monitoring the development of their jaw, removing stubborn plaque, and preventing other dental problems from arising in the future.
Hopefully you’ve learned something new about children’s dentistry! If you have a question about how to care for your child’s growing smile, then don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s dental team.
About the Practice
Our team at Westgate Dental Care is happy to welcome your whole family to our dental office! In addition to having friendly, highly trained, and compassionate dentists, we have an advanced cavity detection system, which allows us to maintain and restore your child’s smile with the utmost efficiency. If you want to learn more about children’s dentistry, you have a question about how to keep your little one’s smile decay-free from home, or you’d simply like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (847) 577-7171.