5 Tips to Protect Your Child’s Teeth

As a parent, you may not automatically know what you need to do to protect your child’s teeth. For instance, it’s very common for parents to ignore the health of children’s teeth until the first permanent teeth come in. This is just one mistake first-time parents make. Here are X tips to protect your child’s teeth.

1. Get an Early Checkup

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child has their first dentist visit by their first birthday, or within a few months after the appearance of the first “baby” tooth. It’s important to understand that tooth and gum problems can occur this early in life, even before the first baby tooth erupts. To ensure a good start with dental health, get an early checkup.

2. Avoid Sugary Drinks

Try to avoid letting your youngster sip on a baby bottle of juice too frequently. Remember that even purely natural, no sugar added fruit juices contain natural sugars. This bad habit could lead to tooth decay in your child.

3. Teach Good Habits

Children can learn a lot about good dental care by watching their parents. Be a role model for dental health. Let your child watch you brush and floss after each meal. Instruct your child in how to clean their teeth with child-appropriate toothbrushes and toothpaste.

4. Ensure They Wear Protective Mouth Guards

Once your child is old enough to participate in organized sports, make sure your child wears a protective mouthguard. The unexpected physical impact can chip or otherwise damage teeth, but a mouth guard may keep an injury from occurring.

5. Have Issues Treated

If your child has crooked teeth, an overbite or underbite or some other dental issue, have the issue treated as soon as you can. Left untreated, dental issues tend to get worse, not better. Consult with your child’s dentist to learn about available treatment options so you can plan accordingly.

When your child grows to adulthood, their teeth will be their responsibility. In the meantime, you can do a lot to protect your child’s dental health. Use these five tips to help ensure your child enjoys a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.