Keep your Child’s Teeth Healthy with Dakota Dental Dentistry for Kids
As we get older, we realize how important good health really is: good physical health, good emotional health, good mental health, and even good oral health. However, when we are young, sometimes good health does not top the list of priorities. That is why Dakota Dental family dentistry believes it is so important for parents to instill in their children, from the youngest ages, the importance of staying healthy and taking care of your teeth.
The family dentists at Dakota Dental recommend brushing when the first tooth appears and flossing when two teeth touch each other. Even though it is just a baby tooth that will eventually fall out, infections and decay of teeth can be prevented early by establishing healthy dental care routines. In addition to brushing from the first tooth, Dakota Dental Apple Valley family dentistry invites you to bring your child in for a first dental health check up by the time he or she is one year old—a routine appointment recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
At this first dental health appointment, the Dakota Dental kids’ dentists will see how teeth are coming in and teach you methods and schedules for brushing and flossing those little pearly whites. The children’s dental services team can also provide tips for keeping your child’s teeth healthy, from preventing tooth decay to eating well.
A child really is not capable of doing a good job of keeping his or her mouth clean until he or she is about eight years old. Dakota Dental dentistry for kids believes this makes it essential for parents to take the lead when establishing and monitoring dental care routines. And though showing a child how to keep mouths clean may seem simple, the best way to demonstrate the importance of good dental care is for parents to model it themselves. Dakota Dental suggests making sure your child sees you brushing and flossing regularly in addition to making sure he or she brushes and flosses, too.
Want to take the first step toward a healthier smile for your child? Learn more about preventative care for kids, and check out Dakota Dental’s Under 3 Free Exam. Contact our kids’ dentists today!