Your child doesn't have to be among the 42 percent of kids aged two through 11 years old with tooth decay, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. In fact, by learning where to begin when teaching kids to brush their teeth and building good dental hygiene habits, you can help your kids be among the 80 percent of kids who don't have untreated decayed teeth. Why It's Important for Kids to Get Started Early Caring for Their Teeth Starting good oral care when your child is at an early age is essential for the long-term health of their teeth. As a parent, you can teach your child how to brush and floss just by taking some key steps. Why Brushing Baby Teeth Is Important A healthy smile early on leads to a …
Thumb Sucking & Your Child’s Teeth
Does thumb sucking damage teeth? Not all thumb sucking results in damage to the teeth or mouth. For example, passively holding the thumb in the mouth doesn’t typically cause damage. However, active thumb sucking with a lot of motion can cause damage to primary (baby) teeth, though this usually corrects itself as the permanent teeth come in. Persistent, vigorous thumb sucking can sometimes cause misalignment of your child’s permanent teeth and affect the jaw or the shape and roof of the mouth. Thumb sucking may also expose your child to dirt, bacteria, and viruses. Studies have found that children who suck their thumbs were less likely to experience allergic reactions to substances such as pollen and dust mites later on in life. So, …
Celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month with these Oral Health Care Tips
During the month of February, the American Dental Association celebrates National Children’s Dental Health Month. This month-long national health observance reinforces the importance of oral health in children as well as helping parents with tips to keep their child’s smile on track! At Lowcountry Family Dentistry, our dentists and staff are taking this opportunity to share oral health tips and raise awareness of the importance of pediatric dental care at an early age. First Tooth, First Birthday, First Dental Visit. New parents often ask, “When should my child first see a dentist?” It’s never too early to start focusing on your child’s oral health! The American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends that parents establish a dental …
Teething Symptoms & How to Help
New parents sometimes anticipate their baby's first tooth with a mixture of excitement and worry. While reaching a new developmental milestone is always a cause for celebration, this particular one can come with considerable discomfort. However, teething is different for each baby, and need not be painful at all; plus, there are steps you can take to make the process easier for your baby — and yourself. Teething refers to the process by which primary (baby) teeth emerge through the gums and become visible in the mouth. This usually begins between six and nine months of age, though it may start as early as three months or as late as one year. Usually, the lower front teeth erupt first, followed by the ones directly above. Most children …
Mouthwash Types & Facts
While not a replacement for daily brushing and flossing, use of mouthwash (also called mouthrinse) may be a helpful addition to the daily dental hygiene routine for some people. Why Use Mouthwash? Just like dental floss, interdental brushes, and water flossers, mouthwash can get in between teeth. Reaching areas that your toothbrush can’t get to helps to reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Mouthwash can help: Prevent or control tooth decay Reduce plaque (a thin film of bacteria that forms on teeth) Prevent or reduce gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) Reduce the speed that tartar (hardened plaque) forms on the teeth or to produce a combination of these effects Freshen breath Types of Mouthwash There …
What Should I Expect at My Child’s First Dental Visit?
At Lowcountry Family Dentistry, our well-trained staff will ease your child into the new dental atmosphere and make them feel comfortable and relaxed while our dentist gently performs the initial exam. During this extremely important oral health check, our dentist will pay close attention to your child’s bite and the way their teeth are coming in. Identifying potential issues early is a great way to utilize proactive care. Often, Dr. Covington will order a dental cleaning, topical fluoride rinse, or other treatment to give your child a good boost in future cavity prevention and to help strengthen tooth enamel. What Happens After the Exam? From the very first visit, we like to set the tone for healthy dental habits that will last your …