One of the most important aspects of pediatric dentistry is practicing a healthy routine at home. In addition to keeping a child's mouth clean, parents should provide a nutritious diet for strong teeth and gums. Making the right choices can also help prevent decay and encourage proper tooth development.
Eating a variety of foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and iron can help children grow stronger teeth. Good eating and drinking practices also foster better oral health.
Most babies use bottles during the first year of life, but parents should take care to ensure proper use. Even though milk is both healthy and essential for a child's growth and development, it still contains sugar. Children who linger with a bottle or chew on the nipple are at a greater risk for tooth decay. Remove the bottle immediately when a feeding session is complete and never lay a child down with one at bedtime. Finally, be sure to wean children from bottle use by age 1.
Pediatric dentistry professionals recommend introducing a sippy cup around six months of age. Hard spouts are ideal because they discourage prolonged chewing, which helps prevent enamel breakdown from continued sugar exposure. Once children become comfortable with a sippy cup, consider using a product that mimics drinking from a regular cup to encourage proper growth and development of the palate and jaw.
Juice, sodas, sports drinks, and other sweetened beverages should not be everyday choices; save these for special occasions. While milk is the primary source of nutrition during the first year of life, it should be offered at mealtimes as a beverage starting at age 2. Milk plays an essential role in strengthening teeth and helping children grow, but it can lead to tooth decay when sipped for long periods of time. Instead, keep a cup of water on hand for hydration throughout the day.
Sweet, sugary foods are one of the main causes of cavities in young children. Parents need to set limits on these types of treats to encourage better dental and overall health. When offering something sweet, try to avoid sticky, chewy foods, such as:
Plain chocolate is a better option because it is more easily dissolved by saliva and does not stay trapped in chewing surfaces for quite as long.
Choosing the right foods and beverages plays a vital role in pediatric dentistry, but good hygiene is equally important. Teach children to wash their hands before eating to prevent more bacteria from entering the mouth. Brushing twice a day is the general rule, but it can be helpful to also encourage brushing after enjoying a sweet food or drink to protect tooth enamel and prevent decay.
Making good decisions about eating and drinking can help protect a child's teeth against decay for a healthier smile. This approach to pediatric dentistry can help children build better habits for a healthy life.
Request an appointment here: https://parksidepediatricdentists.com or call Parkside Pediatric Dentists at (925) 504-4011 for an appointment in our Concord office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Concord, CA.
Nutrition is an important part of pediatric dentistry. Having balanced amounts of vitamins and minerals can strengthen and protect the teeth. Proper nutrients also fuel dental function. If you want to know how important nutrition is for your child’s oral health, here are the details from a pediatric dentistry professional.Children are still developing. They need…
The right time to schedule a pediatric dentistry appointment for your child can vary based on a variety of factors. Routine professional cleanings and checkups are an essential part of good oral health for patients of all ages, including babies and children. You may be surprised to find out just how early the American Dental…
Pediatric dentistry can guide parents in teaching their children proper dental care practices. Maintaining good dental health means instilling these habits in your child’s mind until they become second nature. How well you teach will determine how good your child’s dental health will become. Here are some pediatric dentistry tips to remember if you want…
Aiming to get preventive pediatric dentistry treatments can improve your child’s oral health. Natural teeth develop as the child does. Both baby and adult teeth help properly develop speech. These teeth also aid in the proper absorption of nutrients. That is why caring for them is necessary. Here are the details if you want to…
Nutrition is an important part of pediatric dentistry. Having balanced amounts of vitamins and minerals can strengthen and protect the teeth. Proper nutrients also fuel dental function. If you want to know how important nutrition is for your child’s oral health, here are the details from a pediatric dentistry professional.Children are still developing. They need…
The right time to schedule a pediatric dentistry appointment for your child can vary based on a variety of factors. Routine professional cleanings and checkups are an essential part of good oral health for patients of all ages, including babies and children. You may be surprised to find out just how early the American Dental…