Parents who schedule dental appointments for their children are giving them the gift of good oral health. However, any kid’s dentist in Peoria, AZ, and they’ll tell you there’s more to do outside of the dental office. Here are some things parents need to know about oral healthcare.
- Fluoride Is Important
Fluoride is a great way to protect children’s teeth, especially when it comes to the effects of sugar. Children who receive the right amount of fluoride protection aren’t at as high of a risk of developing issues from eating sugary treats. Of course, it’s still a good idea to limit sugar consumption.
- Say No to Sports Drinks
Many parents already limit soda intake, but this same caution should apply to sports drinks as well. Between the sugar and the acidic properties, it’s better to stick with water until children’s adult teeth have all grown in.
- Get an Early Start
A child’s first dental visit should be scheduled before their first birthday, even if they haven’t had teeth for that long. Early dental care gives a child a head start and gets them used to visiting the dentist.
- Schedule the First Orthodontic Evaluation by Age 7
Many parents are surprised to hear they need to schedule an orthodontic evaluation by this age, especially since most children haven’t lost all their baby teeth yet. However, evaluating children at this age allows for early intervention and maybe fewer years spent in braces.
Professional Kids dentists in Peoria, AZ, also want parents to know their children’s teeth aren’t a reflection of their parenting. No parent should ever feel embarrassed to bring children to the dentist.
