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Good oral hygiene starts early. Taking care of your child's teeth now will set them up for a lifetime of good oral health. Here are a few do's and don'ts to keep your child's teeth healthy.

Use fluoride properly

Fluoride is safe to use for children who are old enough to spit it out, so keep that in mind when you are using a mouthwash with fluoride in it or rinsing your child's mouth after brushing their teeth. It'sIt's never a good idea to let a child ingest fluoride unless suggested by their dentist. There are many products out there that have fluoride added in small amounts to strengthen teeth for children up to age 3. If tooth decay is a concern, consult a dentist about treatment options for your little one so they can avoid cavities.

Limit sugary foods and beverages

Sugary foods and drinks like candy, cookies, soda, and even fruit juices can harm teeth. If your child has a sweet tooth, give them healthy snack options like fruits, vegetables, cheese, low-fat yogurt, or nuts to satisfy the need without harming their teeth. Encourage them to limit their intake of sweet drinks other than water too. After your child eats or drinks anything with sugar in it, have them rinse their mouth with water to help wash it all away. For good measure, use a fluoride mouthwash for extra protection against cavities. These can be found at your drugstore. Apply a small amount to the toothbrush and clean the teeth as normal. Rinse well with water afterward.

It's best to avoid giving your child sticky foods like dried fruits or gummy candies that can cause damage to the tooth surface, which can allow bacteria to get in and cause decay. Sometimes even healthy foods like apples can pose a risk if eaten in excess since they contain a lot of natural sugars. Even though fresh fruit is better than fruit-flavored snacks, limit intake to a few pieces a day to keep their smile healthy!

Protect your child's teeth from sports injuries

Your child should wear a mouthguard when participating in any athletic activity, especially contact sports such as football and hockey. The mouthguard should fit properly and protect your child's entire upper row of teeth. A custom-made mouthguard will provide the most comfort and protection for your child. Mouthguards can offer adequate protection during after-school activities as well.

Never let your child play with a damaged mouthguard or without one at all! Avoid purchasing over-the-counter mouthguards. Many parents may be tempted to save money by going this route, but store-bought options may not offer the same protection against injury as the custom variable. Additionally, store brands are often uncomfortable and difficult to fit properly.

Bring your child to the dentist once their first tooth erupts

When your little one's first tooth begins to erupt, it's time to bring them in for an initial exam and cleaning. Even if your baby hasn't yet had a tooth emerge, it is always best to call and set up your first appointment after your child's first birthday. 

The dentist will do a full exam of your child's mouth to check for signs of tooth decay or infection. They'll gently clean and polish the teeth to make sure they're plaque-free and healthy. Then, together you can come up with a good oral hygiene routine for your child - one that will get them used to brushing without being too overwhelming for them when they're young. They may have their teeth flossed at the checkup as well. It's a good idea to start flossing your child's teeth once a day as soon as they've two teeth that touch.

If you would like more information on best practices for your child's optimum dental health, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.