Discover how to prevent common dental issues in children.
Children love exploring. As they gain an interest in all sorts of food it is important for you to be their guide to instill good oral health. Their teeth go through several changes so having a SW Calgary children’s dentist helps to monitor growth and take care of problems that may arise. Habit forming starts from a young age so educating your little one about caring for their teeth and gums is key.
Taking Those First Dental Steps
Visiting a dentist for the first time can be scary. It is a new space with all sorts of unfamiliar tools and sounds. You can help your child be comfortable at the dentist by doing several things.
- Inform them about their teeth and gums and why they need to be taken care of
- Have them accompany you on your next dental visit, showing them that it is not a scary place
- Hold their hand during their dental procedure to give them support
- Make up fun and educational dental stories with them
- Create songs about going to the dentist
Why Visit a Calgary SW Children’s Dentist?
Pediatric dentists have special tools that fit comfortably inside a child’s mouth. They are also specifically trained in the dental needs of children and offer an environment that is welcoming to them. You will often find a play section or children’s books in the waiting area. A visit to a SW Calgary children’s dentist will help your little one feel relaxed. Pediatric dentists understand the importance of patience and consider your child’s nerves at each appointment.
How to Find the Right Dentist for Your Child
Make sure you look for a children’s dentist that has:
- Positive online reviews
- Answers any questions you may have
- Proper credentials and experience
Encountering Dental Problems
Dental concerns should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further issues. Here are some issues that can cause problems with your child’s oral health.
- Cavities – A hole forms as part of decay often because of poor oral hygiene or an unhealthy diet. Too much sugar or acidic ingredients can result in a build-up of plaque and tartar leading to an unhealthy mouth.
Cavities are best avoided by limiting foods that are detrimental to the tooth’s enamel. Encouraging your little one to eat things like apples stimulates saliva flow to help clean their teeth. Yogurt is another good food as it strengthens the enamel.
- Gum Disease – Also known as gingivitis, this can happen when your child has poor oral hygiene. Maybe they are not getting their teeth clean enough because they are having a hard time reaching some. Red, swollen, and bloody gums can be painful and are the result of poor oral cleaning. When left untreated, gingivitis can accelerate into periodontitis and cause the gums to begin to deteriorate. Help your child brush and floss their teeth and ensure they visit the dentist for regular cleanings.
- Bad Breath – If you notice an unusual nasty smell coming from your little one’s mouth it may be halitosis. Bacteria can form because of unhealthy eating. While sugars and acids eat away at the enamel, bacteria feed on leftover food, plaque, tartar, and fluid, causing hydrogen sulfide (the yucky smell).
A child-friendly mouthwash can help refresh your child’s mouth while tongue brushing aids in eliminating bad smells. Of course, these are in conjunction with regular dental hygiene and professional cleanings.
- Misalignment – Teeth start to go wonky, and the roof of the mouth can become high and narrowly arched due to thumb sucking or pacifier use.
It is important to ensure these childhood habits are nipped in the bud by the time they are four years old. If a problem arises, your dentist can suggest the next steps to take.
Healthy Oral Future
Bad teeth and gums are not something your child is prone to. They may encounter problems, but with the right care, these can be easily solved. Encourage your child to take care of their teeth as soon as they can maneuver a toothbrush. The key to understanding the importance of good oral health begins with educating them early and creating good habits. At Glenbrook Dental, we make sure your child is properly cared for so they can be happy and have a healthy set of primary and permanent teeth. We have a variety of SW Calgary children’s dentist services for children of every age.