As parents ourselves, we understand your child’s health is your #1 concern. When it comes to their dental health, there can be a lot of information out there that can feel overwhelming and confusing. To help, we’ve rounded up 3 of the most popular questions parents ask about their child’s teeth.

What do I need to know about baby teeth?

Just because baby teeth eventually fall out does not mean they aren’t important. Not only do they act as placeholders for adult teeth, but baby teeth are also an important part of facial and speech development. If baby teeth are left uncared for and lost prematurely, nearby teeth can shift and cause overcrowding or other alignment issues for adult teeth coming in. It’s also important to know they can also get cavities just like adult teeth. In addition to the pain caused by a cavity, young children can develop dental infections that can cause widespread issues. Having a healthy smile is important no matter how old you are!

What is “baby bottle decay”?

“Baby bottle decay” is another name for dental decay in infants and toddlers. It happens when sweetened liquids or those with natural sugars from a bottle (milk, formula, and fruit juice) are in contact with your baby’s teeth for too long. Bacteria in the mouth thrive on this sugar and cause decay. To avoid this preventable issue, you should not put your child to bed with a bottle or use it as a pacifier too frequently. If you start to notice spots on your child’s teeth or increasing sensitivity, make an appointment with your dentist.

How do you brush your child’s teeth properly?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, your child can start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste around age You should have them brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes, ideally after breakfast and dinner. You can help guide them with the brush to ensure they do it gently and correctly. To make things easier, you can give them products that are specially designed to make brushing sessions more fun. Flavored toothpaste and colorful toothbrushes in different shapes can attract your children and make them brush every day. Having their favorite character on their oral hygiene products will make it fun!

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you have more questions about your child’s oral health, we are here to help. Make an appointment with us today!