Pediatric dental studies have shown that children continue to experience a high level of tooth decay in both their primary and their permanent teeth. One statistic for instance, states that over forty percent of children between the ages of two through eleven have had one or more cavities in their baby teeth. One of the reasons for this phenomena is that parents are waiting too long to introduce their children to professional dental care.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by the time they are one year old, waiting any longer will increase a child’s risk for tooth decay. Part of the reason for seeing a pediatric dentist at such an early age is to educate parents about preventive measures such as diet and oral hygiene. Parents may not realize how important it is to take good care of the baby teeth.
Even though they are temporary, the primary teeth pave the way for the successful eruption of a child’s permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost before its time there is the possibility that the adjacent teeth could drift into the empty space and block the way for the permanent tooth to take its proper place.
Until children have reached the age of 7 or 8 they lack the basic motor skills necessary to brush or floss correctly. Parents will need to be on hand to guide their children through the process and make sure they brush for the entire recommended time of two minutes. Pediatric dental hygienists may recommend that parents let their child play a part in picking out their own toothbrush and a ready to use kid friendly flosser.
Even though fruit juice may seem like a healthy choice of beverage the fact is that the acid in the juice poses a threat to the outer coating of enamel that protects our teeth from cavity causing bacteria. Plain old tap water is the much better choice.
Start your child off early on the road to good oral health with the help of Dr. Patterson at Epic Dentistry for Kids in Aurora. Call 720-721-3600 to make your appointment.
