Protecting the health and wellness of our children is one of the biggest responsibilities we have as parents. Many parents take steps to protect their children by putting child-proof locks on cabinets and drawers, putting up child-safety gates, and providing only organic foods. However, many parents forget that the health of a baby’s teeth directly affects their overall health. Keep reading to learn how you can properly care for your baby's teeth.
Wipe Down the Baby’s Teeth and Gums
Your child does not necessarily need to have a full set of teeth in order for you to start protecting their oral health. Consider wiping down your baby’s gums and emerging teeth with a moist washcloth after eating to help reduce the amount of bacteria and plaque buildup.
Brush the Baby’s Teeth
Once your child has started developing more teeth, you may consider brushing their teeth for them using a soft-bristled child’s toothbrush and toothpaste that does not contain fluoride. In most cases, you may begin using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on your child’s teeth once they are over the age of two. Just be sure to continue brushing your child’s teeth for them until they are old enough to spit and rinse without your help—after which point you can allow your child to brush their own teeth under supervision.
Move Away from Baby Bottles
A good way to reduce your child’s risk of cavities is to limit the use of baby bottles, as they constantly drench your child’s teeth in sugar, especially if the bottle contains milk or juice. If your child must use a bottle, consider providing water rather than juice or other sweetened beverages.
One of the best ways to protect your baby’s teeth is to schedule a visit with a pediatric dentist within six months of the eruption of your child’s first tooth, and no later than one year of age. Let the dentists with Redondo Beach Dental Group provide you and your entire family with the high-quality care you need by calling (424) 206-5861. We also offer cosmetic dentistry services.
Dr. Stalley is the best dentist I have ever had. My family has used his dental office for nearly twenty years. He has perfected a procedure to almost eliminate the pain of dental injections. Dr. Stalley has a state of the art, high-tech, office with digital x-ray machines, 3-D digital tooth veneer printers, and flat panel video displays with...More
Taking care of your teeth and gums is the first step towards promoting a healthier lifestyle. Read through these links from around the Web for more information on oral cancer screening tools, common dental myths, Xylitol, and tips for protecting your baby’s teeth. Call Redondo Beach Dental Group at (424) 206-5861 for more information on our services.
What exactly is the Identafi® system? Check out this link from Identafi.net to learn more about this oral cancer screening tool.
Make sure you know how to identify the symptoms of oral cancer by reading over this WebMD.com article.
How can certain medications increase the chances of bad breath? Browse through this article from USNews.com to learn about some of the more surprising causes of bad breath.
Visit this link from HowStuffWorks.com to get the real answers to some of the most common dental myths.
Your teeth are among some of the strongest structures in your entire body, helping you to tear, bite, and chew food upon consumption. While many individuals understand that daily brushing and flossing is essential to maintaining the health of one’s teeth, there are a number of dangerous myths regarding oral hygiene that can make it difficult to keep up good dental health. This article will take a closer look at some of the most common myths about teeth and oral hygiene.
Myth: Bad Breath is Caused By Poor Brushing Habits
Individuals who fail to brush and floss their teeth are often at a greater risk for bad breath due to the plaque and bacteria particles left inside their mouth—but this is not the only cause of bad breath. Individuals who eat extremely pungent foods, take certain medications, and suffer from dry mouth may all experience bad breath, regardless of how well they brush and floss each day.
Myth: Sugar is the Only Food That Can Harm Your Teeth
Many people think that eating high amounts of sugar is the leading cause of cavities, and while sugar does attract bacteria-filled plaque, other foods can increase the risk of cavities as well. This includes starchy foods as well as those that are highly acidic, as the acid may erode the enamel of the tooth over time, making it more susceptible to decay.
Myth: White Teeth are Healthy Teeth
Just because your teeth are white does not necessarily mean that they are healthy. The color of your teeth has little to do with the overall condition, which means that unless you are brushing twice per day, flossing once per day, and visiting your dentist regularly, that white smile may still be at risk for decay.
Are you concerned about the integrity of your teeth and gums? You can get the care you need by contacting Redondo Beach Dental Group today at (424) 206-5861. You can also visit us at our website for more information about dental implants and cosmetic dentistry.
Brushing your teeth twice a day is a great way to protect your oral health—but unless you’re also flossing your teeth twice a day, you are still at serious risk for cavities and periodontal disease. This video takes a closer look at the proper way to floss your teeth.
Start by winding 16-to-18 inches of floss between your index fingers and thumb, keeping one-to-two inches tight between your fingers. Using a slow, gentle motion, slide the floss up the sides of your teeth and curve around the tooth at the gum line. Check out the full video to learn more about how flossing can reduce the risk of periodontal disease.
If you can’t remember the last time you flossed your teeth, you may want to set up a routine cleaning and scaling procedure with your dentist. Give Redondo Beach Dental Group a call at (424) 206-5861 today for more information.
