How Pediatric Dentists Help Children Who's Parents Didn't Start Brushing Their Teeth Early Enough
Oral health is something that parents must take very seriously very early in a child's life. However, studies have found that most parents don't start brushing their child's teeth early enough, setting bad examples for the child and putting them at a higher risk or oral health issues. Thankfully, a pediatric dentist can help manage this situation.
Most Kids Don't Start Brushing Early Enough
Parents often don't understand how soon they need to start brushing their kid's teeth. Many may assume that they can start when the child has a full set of baby teeth – around 2-3 years of age. However, most dentists state that this is far too late. They suggest that parents start a brushing routine with their child the moment that they develop their first tooth.
And a staggering amount of parents – about 80 percent – don't follow this advice. By not brushing their child's first tooth, they let bacteria, plaque, and other health problems rapidly spread. And these growths can start causing oral health issues with a child that may become persistent as they reach older ages and may even become a problematic concern in adulthood.
How a Pediatric Dentist Can Help
Even though a parent may have started late with their child's brushing, they can make up lost ground in many different ways. For example, a pediatric dentist can quickly assess any health troubles that may exist in a child's mouth and give parents a better insight into what to expect. Then, the dentist can provide a detailed cleaning that eliminates any plaque and bacteria to give a child a fresh start.
At this point, they can then fix any cavities that the child may have developed and attempt to build a connection between them and the child. This type of connection is important because it can help the child not only understand the importance of brushing but also encourage them to actively want to brush. That's because they'll want to make their dentist happy, as a friend.
Just as critically, a dentist or an oral hygenist can help teach a child oral health tips that they can take with them into adulthood. From simple facts, such as the importance of brushing under the tongue, to various types of brushing motions that help break plaque apart better, a pediatric dentist can give a child the best chance of keeping their teeth and gums strong for years to come. Parents can consult a pediatric dentist like the ones at http://www.childrensdent.com if they think they have waited too long and want to get their kid's dental health back on track.