There is no such thing as too early to begin caring for your children’s teeth, and that includes before their teeth can even be seen. Protecting your children’s teeth begins at the start of their lives and should continue to be encouraged long after your children are able to brush and floss on their own. The impact of good dental hygiene on young children is essential for a number of reasons, the most important of which is preventing tooth decay. Tooth decay does more than create toothaches for young children — it also can have a significant impact on their development in other ways. Children suffering from tooth decay may have difficulty eating, preventing them from getting essential nourishment they need for their growth and mental development. Losing teeth early to decay also can impact the development of permanent teeth, resulting in the need for extensive orthodontic work as the child gets older. Children who are missing teeth because of decay may also have difficulty with their speech and become self-conscious about their appearance, leading to speech delays and emotional issues. All of this makes oral health extremely important for parents to pay attention to, even in infants. As teeth emerge and children reach the toddler stage, parents should begin to model good oral hygiene behaviors and encourage their children to start brushing their teeth with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride-free toothpaste. This is the time to begin establishing a regular brushing routine in the morning and before bedtime, as well. Proper care of your children’s teeth begins well before they come in, and it can help your children avoid all manner of problems as they get older. For more information on the ways in which you can help strengthen your children’s dental hygiene, be sure to check out the checklist found in the infographic accompanying this post.
A Parent’s Checklist For Children’s Oral Health this resource was contributed by Natomas Crossing Dental Care, a premier choice for a Sacramento based dental clinic
