The attitudes and habits that children learn during their youth will often follow them into adulthood. Why not set your child up for success?
Teaching your child to take proper care of their smile now will help them enjoy a lifetime of great dental health. Unfortunately, there are many parents who assume that since their children are going to lose their primary teeth anyway, it’s not necessary to pay attention to their oral health.
In reality, that simply isn’t true. Having healthy teeth and gums is important at every age, and it’s especially important for our younger patients here at Marc J. Beshar Dentistry.
Why Are Primary Teeth Important?
A full set of primary teeth contains 20 baby teeth and most children will have all their teeth grown in by the age of 3. Primary teeth serve an important purpose for the following reasons:
- Baby teeth serve as a placeholder for permanent teeth
- Baby teeth are important for speech development
- Baby teeth are important for children to learn how to properly chew
- Healthy baby teeth promote periodontal health
Promoting Healthy Habits for Your Child’s Smile
Encouraging your child to take care of their dental health is an investment in their future health and happiness. Patients with poor dental health and bad habits developed during childhood are significantly more likely to have difficulties with speech, tooth misalignment, gum disease, and malocclusion, also known as a “bad bite.”
To promote great dental health for your children, consider these tips:
- Set Up Their Routine: Routine oral hygiene practices, which includes brushing and flossing, are essential for maintaining a healthy smile. For optimal dental health, patients should brush twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed, and floss at least once per day. Parents should reinforce this routine so their children will kickstart healthy habits early.
- Be a Good Role Model: Children look towards parents as role models, and dental health is no different. Be sure to take care of your own teeth so your child is more inclined to take care of theirs.
- Be Mindful of Sugar in Your Child’s Diet: It’s important to limit the amount of sugar your child consume to protect their overall health and their smile. When your child consumes sugar, bacteria in the mouth will metabolize it and create an enamel-eroding acid. Once the enamel is worn down, your child will be more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.
Contact Our Office in New York, NY
Whether you have concerns about your child’s dental health or your own smile, we offer a variety of services for every situation. Contact our office today by calling 212-753-2240 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Beshar.