Dental Health Mistakes Parents May Unknowingly Be Making

It may surprise you to learn that almost 50% of American children have suffered from dental cavities in their baby teeth! Many well-meaning parents may accidentally be making oral healthcare mistakes, resulting in dental problems for their children. Here at Lockett Orthodontics, we want to make sure you are aware of these mistakes so that you can avoid making them.

Common Dental Healthcare Mistakes Parents Make

Below are a few of the most common mistakes parents are unknowingly making for their child’s dental health:

• Waiting to make the first appointment – Some children are not visiting the dentist early enough. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should first visit the dentist by his or her first birthday or by the eruption of the first tooth. After their initial appointment, children should continue to visit the dentist every six months.
• Putting kids to bed with bottles – Putting a toddler or baby to bed with a bottle of juice, milk, or any other beverage besides water is the quickest way to cause a nasty case of tooth decay. This habit allows the sugars of the milk or juice to mix the bacteria in the mouth to create acid that will wear away your child’s tooth enamel all night long. This will very quickly lead to decay and dental cavities.
• Skipping the fluoride – In the past, fluoride has been controversial. However, experts all agree that it is the best way to prevent dental cavities as long as it’s administered in the correct dose. For kids under two, use an amount the size of a grain of rice. For kids over 2, a pea-sized amount is recommended. If you have concerns about your child’s exposure to fluoride, please contact his or her general dentist.
• Allowing kids to brush without supervision – Lastly, you should be helping your children or at least supervising them as they brush their teeth. Until children are around the age of 8 years old, they don’t have the motor skills or the patience to be brushing thoroughly and effectively.

Here at Lockett Orthodontics, we know that healthy teeth are just as important as straight teeth when it comes to creating a beautiful smile! Please make sure your child is visiting his or her regular dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and exam.

To make an appointment with a Colorado Springs orthodontic specialist, please contact Lockett Orthodontics today!