3 Pediatric Dental Facts Not Every Parent Knows – but Should!

A lot of love (and research) goes into caring for your little one, so it’s understandable if you’ve missed out on a pediatric dental fact or two! Still, tending to your kiddo’s oral health is important for their overall wellness. In the spirit of providing the very best for your child, here are three facts about their teeth that every parent should know.

#1. Candy Isn’t the Only Bad Food for Teeth

Yes, frequent candy snacks increase your child’s risk of developing cavities. This is partly due to the sugar that accelerates harmful bacterial growth, and partly due to any acidity that could contribute to enamel erosion. But that means other food and drink with these traits are bad for your kid’s teeth as well! Generally, dentists recommend limiting these delicacies:

• Starchy foods like processed bread and pasta
• Citrus fruit like oranges and lemons
• Fruit juice
• Tart gummies
• Tomatoes, including tomato-based sauces

For more advice on avoiding a diet that’s not so friendly for young smiles, ask your dentist!

#2. Childhood Tooth Decay is Extremely Common

In fact, tooth decay is the most common childhood disease, even overtaking asthma and diabetes. You’ll have to be diligent to help your kiddo avoid uncomfortable cavities. A low-sugar diet can be a good place to start, but regular oral hygiene is just as vital for stopping cavity-causing bacteria. You should start brushing their pearly whites as soon as their first baby tooth grows in and try to encourage a consistent cleaning routine as they age.

#3. Baby’s First Dental Visit

In a similar vein, dentists recommend bringing your child in for their first visit when they’re around two years old. For one thing, this helps your little one become familiar with your dentist, which can make future visits less scary for them. For another, baby teeth, though temporary, are super important for developmental milestones like talking and eating solid food. Your dentist can check on your little one’s budding pearly whites to make sure everything’s going smoothly.

For many parents, the finer details of their child’s dental needs are foreign territory. If you’re ever in doubt – or simply need some extra help! – don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist. They’ll look after your kiddo’s oral health and happily answer any questions you might have.

About the Practice

At Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry, we have four excellent dentists on staff who would be happy to serve your family with quality dental care. This includes fostering a family-friendly environment, making sure you and your loved ones are comfortable during your visit, and providing top-notch treatment. If you need a dentist for your little one or have questions about their oral health, don’t hesitate to contact our office at 434-847-5331.