Pediatric Dentists – Saving the Future of the Young Generation

Pediatric dentists are preserving the future health of the next generation through preventative oral hygiene care. Oral hygiene plays a vital role in children’s health care. Sadly, however, too few parents put a priority on the care of their children’s teeth.

Pediatric dentistry has a two-fold strategy: providing professional dental care in the office and teaching parents preventative dental care measures to pass on to their kids at home. Both aspects are essential in protecting the future health of the younger generation.

Role of Pediatric Dentists

A child’s first dental checkup should be around 12 months of age. At that time, your pediatric dentist will examine your child’s baby teeth to see if there are signs of decay. During this visit, your dentist will also check your child’s jaw, monitor tooth growth and clean your child’s teeth.

If you have any questions about your child’s teeth or how to handle dental care, this would be a good time to ask. A good pediatric dentist will be happy to answer your questions and give you advice on how to care for your kids’ teeth. Dentists know that healthy baby teeth will encourage the growth of healthy adult teeth later down the line.

Between the age of two and three years old, your child may start getting his molars. Your pediatric dentist may suggest coating these with dental sealant to protect them from bacteria and decay. Depending on your child’s brushing habits, this sealant could last up to a year or more, forming a protective cover against cavities.

Role of Parents

The preventative dental care measures you take at home for your children are just as necessary as professional dental care. As a parent, you’re responsible for seeing that your kids develop good oral hygiene habits.

Children should brush teeth twice daily with a soft bristle brush and a small amount of toothpaste. If your kids are under seven, you can help them brush to make sure the job is done right. With the help of your pediatric dentist, your kids can learn how to floss correctly to protect their teeth further.

A healthy diet is also essential for the care of your kids’ teeth. Too many sweets or processed foods can promote tooth decay. By limiting sweets and making sure your children are brushing regularly, you help protect your kids’ teeth.

By combining efforts, parents and pediatric dentists do their part to preserve the smile of the little ones in their care.