Bad habits can be hard to break and good habits can take a while to form but it’s never too early to break old habits and start new ones. The family dentists at Dakota Dental encourage kids to start the habits of good oral health as soon as they can.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 19% of kids between the ages of 2 and 19 have untreated cavities. Cavities in children are largely preventable, especially if parents help their kids develop healthy habits for taking care of their teeth.
For young children, limiting the time they drink from sippy cups helps to reduce cavities. Unless it’s water, constantly sipping on milk, juice, or other sweetened liquids doesn’t give the child’s mouth a chance to rinse away those sugars.
Brushing habits are also crucial to having healthy teeth. Teaching children how to properly brush their teeth, how much toothpaste to use (and not to swallow it), and how long to brush their teeth are all important components of building healthy habits. Creating a schedule and making brushing a consistent part of the child’s morning and nightly routine will make it easier for kids to remember to brush their teeth.
One of the most important ways to prevent tooth decay is by bringing kids to the dentist before there is a problem. The American Dental Association suggests that kids visit the dentist within six months after their first tooth appears and no later than their first birthday. Dakota Dental offers dentistry for children and provides a positive, friendly, and comfortable atmosphere so children feel at ease at the dentist. Dakota Dental helps teach patients of all ages the importance of dental health and has a top-of-the-line preventative dental care program for kids.
To help children and the whole family avoid cavity fillings and other dental health issues, make sure to schedule regular checkups at Dakota Dental. Contact Dakota Dental for more information about preventative dentistry or to make your appointment today.
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Dakota Dental
14682 Pennock Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-5774