There are many reasons for kids to care for their teeth, even though they’ll be replaced with adult teeth.
“If you help your child establish good habits, they’ll carry those through the rest of their life,” says Dr. Fatemeh Basij, DDS, dentist and the owner of Allard Dental Centre.
It’s not just about creating habits for the future. Daily cleaning and regular dental visits can have immediate benefits as well.
“Dental issues impact other aspects of our lives,” Dr. Basij says. “Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t.”
Develop habits for good oral health
Limit sweet snacks and drinks, especially between meals. Demonstrate regular oral hygiene by taking care of your own teeth, and helping your child establish a routine.
- Ages 0-2: Oral hygiene starts on the day your baby is born — develop good habits by cleaning your infant’s gums in the morning and before bed. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle, and be sure to care for baby teeth when they come in. “Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth, and help children chew and speak clearly. It’s important to keep them healthy and pain free before they fall out,” Dr. Basij says.
- Ages 2 and above: When your child is aged two or above they can start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. “Your dentist may recommend fluoride toothpaste earlier, depending on their needs,” Dr. Basij says.
Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, but the good news is that they’re preventable.
“Fluoride is an excellent tool in fighting cavities and tooth decay, so children over two should brush daily with fluoride toothpaste. At Allard Dental we can also provide fluoride varnish and dental sealants to help protect your child’s teeth,” Dr. Basij says.
Make an appointment with Allard Dental Centre to find out if sealant would help your child.
3 benefits of regular dental checkups
Over the age of two, dentists recommend scheduling an oral exam every six months.
- Catch issues early: With regular visits, your dentist can identify problems early and fix them before they cause unnecessary discomfort.
- Adjust at-home habits: Your dentist will let you know if the dental cleaning you’re doing at home is effective, and offer suggestions if needed.
- Establish positive routines: Regular visits help teach your child that going to the dentist can be fun, and is an important part of keeping our bodies healthy.
Book your appointment at allarddentalcentre.ca or call 604-882-0568. Their office is conveniently located at 301-21183 88 Ave., Langley with abundant free parking, and simultaneous appointments to accommodate families. Find them on Facebook and Instagram for more dental tips.
