Helping your child develop healthy oral hygiene habits, and maintain a strong smile is absolutely paramount. That is why our Toluca Lake family dentists have put together this short primer on pediatric dental care. We are here to give you all of the information that you need get your child started off on the right foot. Keep reading to learn more!
- Retaining primary teeth is paramount to dental health
We all know that primary, or baby, teeth fall out eventually. But, it is still important for your child to hold on to them until they are replaced with adult teeth. Not only do primary teeth serve as placeholders for permanent teeth, but they also allow your child to expand his or her diet, and develop healthy speech patterns. Also, primary teeth are the perfect teeth for your children to practice maintaining before adult teeth emerge.
- Specialized products help kids stay healthy
In order to for children to reap all of the benefits of pediatric dental care, they need to be armed with the correct tools. Keep in mind, for example, that children who are young enough to regularly swallow toothpaste should not be using formulations that contain fluoride. Luckily, there are fluoride-free toothpastes available especially for youngsters. Take special care, also, when choosing a toothbrush for your child. You probably want to look for one with soft bristles, as kids tend to apply too much pressure when brushing. The head of the brush should be small enough to reach the child’s molars comfortably.
- Early professional appointments can make all of the difference
Patients who have positive pediatric dental experiences as children are less likely to deal with dental anxiety and avoidance later in life. Now is the time to instill in your child that the dentist is their partner in dental care, not someone who is there to judge them.
High quality dental care isn’t just for adults! Please feel free to contact our Toluca Lake family dentists to learn more and to schedule a consultation for your kiddo.