Being a parent can feel overwhelming at times. After all, there’s so much to learn! That’s why it’s so helpful to have trusted professionals in your corner to act as an ongoing resource for reliable and helpful information. Below, you will find five facts about children’s dental health, including when you should schedule your little one’s first dental appointment.
1. Candy Isn’t The Only Culprit of Cavities
Although over-indulging on candy does increase your child’s chances of developing tooth decay, that’s not the only culprit. Cookies, ice cream, juice, and soda can also lead to cavities, which is why parents are encouraged to do their best to keep sugary treats like these to a minimum. Instead, try offering something that’s naturally sweet, like fresh strawberries!
2. Cavities Are Common, But They Are Preventable!
Parents often feel discouraged when they find out that more than 40% of children between the ages of 2 and 11 will have a cavity (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). However, there is good news: tooth decay is largely preventable with the right best practices in place, like brushing for a full two minutes each morning and flossing each night before bed.
3. Dental Visits Should Begin When They Are One Year Old
It’s true; the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends bringing your child in for their first dental visit around their first birthday (or sooner if their first tooth emerges before then). This first appointment is mostly to get to know you and your little one, but it also allows the dentist to take a look at any teeth they have and answer any questions on your mind related to their oral health.
4. Baby Teeth Are Important
There’s a common misconception that – since baby teeth eventually fall out – it doesn’t matter if they get damaged. The truth is your child’s primary teeth not only play an important role in their self-esteem, but they also have the potential to impact their academic performance. After all, it’s estimated that roughly 51 million school hours are missed every year due to dental problems!
5. Sports Can Lead to Serious Dental Damage
In fact, cracked teeth and fractured roots are two very common sports-related injuries, which are often painful to experience and stressful to handle. Don’t worry – that doesn’t mean your child needs to stop playing soccer with their friends or playing on their school’s football team. It simply means that a mouthguard needs to be worn to ensure their smile is protected!
About the Practice
At Family Dental Center of East Texas, we have two goals: to help growing smiles thrive and to be an ongoing resource for parents every step of the way. We’re proud to offer a wide range of services at our conveniently located office, and we offer sedation dentistry for patients who struggle with dental-related anxiety or need extensive dental care to get their smiles back on track. If you would like to schedule an appointment for your child, visit our website or call (936) 427-9070.