The summer is over and the kids are back in school. And although they might not seem interconnected, as a general family dental practice in Flagstaff, we know how important dental health for kids is to their school performance. One study notes that children with poor oral health were nearly 3 times more likely than their counterparts to miss school as a result of dental pain. Cavities and other dental diseases can also have an effect on your child’s ability to focus and participate in class.
With 20% of children (1 in 5) ages 5-11 having at least one tooth that has untreated decay, the chances are high that your child might develop a cavity. But if their baby teeth are going to fall out anyway, why does it matter? We’ll answer that question below. But first, let’s answer a few other questions.
At what age should I start brushing my child’s teeth?
You should start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. Just like adults, brushing your child’s teeth, tongue, and gums should be done twice a day. For children younger than three years of age, we recommend using a very small amount of toothpaste, about a grain-sized portion. When your child reaches the age of three, you can use a pea-sized amount.
When should I take my child to the dentist, and what happens at their first dental visit?
Your child’s first regular dental visit should be scheduled just after their third birthday. Country Club Dental sees patients from age three and up. This initial visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. We will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child’s permanent teeth under the gums. We may clean your child’s teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most importantly, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth.
If they’re just going to fall out, why do I need to take care of baby teeth?
As we mentioned above, 1 in 5 children has untreated tooth decay. When a decayed tooth goes untreated, it can become painful and lead to an infection that can negatively impact eating, speaking, playing, and learning. In addition, an infected baby tooth can cause problems for the permanent tooth that will take its place.
Should I consider dental sealants for my child?
Dental sealants are an excellent way to help keep kids’ teeth healthy. Easy to apply, dental sealants take only a few minutes to seal each tooth. And once applied, they protect the depression and grooves of teeth from food particles and plaque that brushing and flossing often can’t reach. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication is needed.
Your General Family Dental Practice in Flagstaff
If you’re looking for a gentle and compassionate general family dentist in Flagstaff, then look no further. At Country Club Dental, we’re dedicated to keeping your child’s teeth clean and healthy so that they can focus on growing and learning. Call us to learn more or to schedule an appointment!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use. Image by StockSnap from Pixabay (9/3/2019)
