JUL Mount Prospect Dentist Emphasizes Importance of Early Dental Care
Taking care of your children is a full-time job, and oral health is no exception. By establishing a routine of dental visits when they’re young, we have a better chance of helping them enjoy a healthy attitude about dentistry that will last a lifetime. The schedule of oral hygiene that the routine recommended by our Mount Prospect Dentist recommends for adults also applies to your child.
Protecting Your Child’s Baby Teeth
While your child’s baby teeth are developing, their permanent teeth are already forming under the gumline. Following good oral health care for your toddler now plays an important part in the development of healthy adult teeth.
As a toddler, your child should already be receiving routine preventive dental care. The Mount Prospect Dentist will assess your child’s current dental health and recommend proper at-home oral health care routines.
Your Involvement Goes a Long Way
However, as a parent, there are things you should do as well between dental visits, to protect your toddler’s teeth:
- Enjoy healthy food choices. Choosing a variety of healthy fruits and vegetables to serve is good for the entire body, especially your toddler’s developing teeth.
- As toddlers grow and begin to gain some independence, they will enjoy feeding themselves. Remember that frequent exposure to sugary or even healthy fruit drinks can lead to tooth decay. Offer water instead and encouraging brushing between snacks whenever possible.
- Maintain a regular routine of brushing and flossing. Toddlers will enjoy the independence of brushing their own teeth at least once a day. If your child’s efforts are not perfect, that’s okay. Simply introducing the idea and maintaining a routine will send an important message to your child.
- Prevent your child from eating fluoridated toothpastes to prevent damage to the developing permanent teeth. Look for training toothpastes for children who have not yet learned to spit after brushing.
Please Call Us to Arrange an Appointment
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s oral health care, please contact our dentist office for more information.