February is the month of romantic love, but did you know that it is also National Children’s Dental Health Month? That makes it the ideal time for Mom and Dad to step back and give some serious thought to whether they are doing all they can to protect their child’s smile from the ravages of tooth decay and gum disease. To help you make sure your little one’s grin stays happy and healthy, your children’s dentist near Chagrin Falls is here to give you a few friendly pointers on how you can safeguard those precious young teeth.
Don’t Dismiss Baby Teeth
Some parents make the mistake of thinking that primary (baby) teeth aren’t important because they fall out eventually anyway. However, those little chompers are vital for a number of reasons. They help your child learn to speak clearly, and they act as placeholders for the permanent teeth that will come along later. Plus, decay in baby teeth can be just as painful as decay in permanent teeth — and no one wants to see their child suffer.
That’s why you should begin bringing your child to your family dentist in Chagrin Falls shortly after their first tooth erupts. Thereafter, bring them back for routine checkups every six months. Use these appointments as an opportunity to get personalized advice on how you can care for your little one’s smile at home.
Set a Good Example
Kids are always learning, and some of the most important lessons they learn come from observation. That’s why you should be diligent about caring for your own oral health. You might even go through your nightly oral hygiene routine alongside your child so you can demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques. You should also make good snack choices and speak in a positive manner about your visits to your family dentist near Chagrin Falls.
Use Age-Appropriate Educational Materials
Here are a few ideas you can use to teach kids about oral health:
- Watch fun videos. For example, Colgate has a video about a dental team who bravely battles plaque.
- Use coloring sheets and other activities. The ADA’s website has a few activities that can instill important oral health lessons in children.
- Show the consequences of poor oral health practices. You might find a few — not too scary — photos of individuals who have neglected their teeth and gums to show to your child.
Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
Kids gravitate toward sticky, sugary, starchy foods — pretty much anything that is bad for their teeth. That’s why you should keep your kitchen stocked with smile-friendly foods and reserve candies, cookies, soda, and other goodies as special treats. Apples, cheese, nuts, and veggies are all great snack choices for kids and adults alike.
How is your child’s smile doing? Now is the perfect time to amp up your efforts to help them achieve and maintain strong, healthy teeth and gums.
About the Authors
Drs. Vladimir Pastouk and Maryana Horokhivska are the two talented dentists in our practice. They put their expertise and experience to work to provide top-tier care for patients of all ages, including young children. If you would like their help to care for little one’s smile, contact our office at 216-292-3600.