Did you know that childhood dental disease is the most common chronic condition among children? That’s right; dental disease in kids is five times more common than childhood asthma. But wait, that’s not the worst part. This is: Dental disease is nearly 100% preventable.
So…We’re giving our children a disease can be prevented. What’s wrong with this situation?
As baby’s caregiver, you are responsible for your child’s oral health. There are simple steps you can take to make sure your child remains cavity-free.
- Before baby has teeth: Clean gums with a soft cloth.
- When teeth appear: brush teeth with a small, soft toothbrush without toothpaste and clean gums with a soft cloth.
- At age one: Baby should see a dentist by his or her first birthday
- At age two:Brush teeth with a pea-sized drop of fluoridated toothpaste. Wipe teeth when finished until child can rinse and spit.
Eat right for dental health
- Never dip a pacifier in sugary substances or put sweetened liquids in a baby bottle.
- Do not leave your child unattended with a baby bottle, especially at bedtime.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks, especially sticky foods such as raisins and fruit roll-ups.
See your dentist or health care provider regularly!
- Your child should start regular visits to the dentist by age one. The dentist will look in your baby’s mouth and talk to you to determine if they are at risk for dental disease.
- Parents should see a dentist regularly to keep their mouths clean and limit the cavity-causing bacteria in their mouths which can easily transfer to babies.
- Take oral health seriously from the start and you can prevent a serious disease from ever taking hold.
For more fun oral health tips, visit the Delta Dental of Colorado Website.
*Updated 2019