Children learn from their parents. This is especially true when it comes to oral hygiene. Learning when they’re young how and when to brush, floss, and visit their dental care professional can make a big difference when your children grow up. So can these other choices that parents sometimes make.

Allowing Baby to Sleep with a Bottle

It’s easy to put baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. Unfortunately, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, placing your child to sleep with “a bottle containing sugary liquids such as milk, formula, or fruit juice” places the teeth at risk of constant bacterial attacks. It’s better to use only water.

Delaying the First Dental Visit

Many parents don’t know when to schedule the first appointment with their Beverly Hills dentist. The AAPD recommends parents schedule the first dental visit within six months of the first tooth, but no later than baby’s first birthday. Children with decay in their baby teeth increase their chances of developing cavities in their permanent teeth. 

Leaving Children to Brush Alone

Even after you take the time to properly teach your children how to brush and floss their teeth it’s imperative to continue supervising their progress.

Children should learn the best way to get their teeth thoroughly clean is to brush for two to three minutes each time. Two minutes might not seem like a very long time but for youngsters brushing their teeth it’s an eternity. To help you may want to play two minutes worth of music or figure out a game.

Additionally, make sure they brush properly. That includes brushing he inside and outside areas of their teeth, the chewing surfaces, and the gums.

Believing Cavities are Just a Normal Part of Childhood

Cavities in childhood are common. In fact, it’s more common among young children than asthma and diabetes. However, that doesn’t mean cavities are normal.

While developing good oral hygiene habits can help decrease the chances of getting any cavities, the increase of sugar in American diets and the increase in drinking non-fluoridated bottled water have added to the problem.

Underestimating the Importance of Fluoride

Although fluoride is controversial, the American Dental Association supports community water fluoridation. They call it “the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay.”

However, most toothpaste and some mouthwash products offer fluoride protection as well. Speak with your Century City cosmetic dentist regarding the proper amount of fluoride toothpaste to use based on the age of your child. Additionally, your dental professional may recommend fluoride in dietary supplements.

To ensure your child has every opportunity for a healthy mouth, talk with your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist about the best dental care.