From the moment their first baby tooth erupts to the moment their wisdom teeth come in, every stage of your child’s oral development matters. Paying close attention to these stages is key throughout their youth, and you can make a difference during each one. Since you only want the best for your child’s oral health, your family dentist in Attleboro is writing a comprehensive guide to help your child keep a healthy smile not just today, but for the rest of their life.
Today, we’ll be discussing healthy habits, wisdom teeth, and dental visits.
The Fundamentals of Children’s Oral Health
Since you aren’t going to the dentist daily, your child will need to know the proper steps to practicing oral care at home. Sufficient oral care consists of the following:
- Brushing twice a day with a fluoridate toothpaste
- Brushing for at least two minutes
- Flossing daily
- Keeping a balanced diet and avoiding foods high in sugar and starch
Prevention is the key to avoiding tooth decay and gum disease. By practicing these habits alongside your child, they’ll begin understanding the importance of daily oral care. Healthy teeth make eating a balanced diet easier, while healthy gums keep teeth in place and prevent tooth loss.
Furthermore, your child may benefit from the use of dental sealants. These thin plastic coatings are painted directly on the top of teeth to provide additional defense to decay. This gives them time to hone their brushing and flossing technique.
What About Wisdom Teeth?
Once your child get between the ages of 17 and 25, their wisdom teeth will likely erupt and cause complications. This means they’ll need to have them removed. Don’t worry, wisdom tooth extractions are quite common and can be performed by any general dentist. If your teen experiences pain or feels loose gum tissue in the back of their mouth, they’ll likely need their wisdom teeth extracted.
While not all patients need wisdom teeth removal, it’s not very common. When they come in for surgery, your dentist will first numb the area with local anesthetic, loosen the tooth, then extract it using dental forceps. Your child will then be given pain medications and instructions on how to care for the affected area.
How Early Dental Visits Prepare You and Your Child
Children should have their first dentist visit within six months of their first baby tooth erupting. When teeth are present, decay can occur, so it’s essential that your dentist examines your child’s mouth during this time. Additionally, your dentist can confirm if your child will need orthodontics to correct misalignments later in life. This will help you prepare for the investment and give you time to inform your child once they’re old enough.
Looking for more advice on managing your child’s oral development? Schedule a visit with their family dentist in Attleboro today!
About the Author
Dr. William Herr earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland’s School of Dentistry. He’s committed to staying educated on the latest advancements in dentistry to offer your child the best dental care possible. For more information on children’s oral health, contact him through his website.