Dental Health Tips for Busy Parents of California Toddlers

Being a parent to toddlers can be both exciting and exhausting. We want to make sure that our children remain active and healthy as adults. You want to make proper oral hygiene a part of the numerous milestones kids reach, such as taking their first taste of broccoli, riding a bike, using the potty on their own, or brushing their teeth for the first time.

With today’s hectic schedules, effective oral hygiene can be neglected, resulting in tooth decay or the need for extensive dental work. Here are five helpful hints for working parents like you. Remember that you can contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning at your convenience.

Keep an eye on those infant teeth

Yes, those initial baby teeth will eventually fall out, but that does not negate the importance of those tiny teeth. Toddlers are learning to eat and chew with their teeth during this period of development. Keeping cavities and toothaches at bay will aid in the early development of excellent eating habits. Children will have a greater appetite to eat if they do not suffer toothaches.

Brushing for toddlers

Brush your toddler’s teeth using a soft toothbrush and fluoride-containing children’s toothpaste. Brushing with the proper amount of fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears will help strengthen the teeth. Brushing your toddler’s teeth with you will help them develop healthy oral hygiene habits.

Avoid sweets

Before going to bed, avoid sugary foods and beverages. Avoid giving your toddler sweet juices, milk, or candy before bedtime. Allowing them to eat and drink before night can result in cavities or caries in young children. Sugar in these foods sits in the mouth, causing bacteria to flourish, resulting in toothaches and cavities.

Beware of long-term sippy cup use

Avoid long-term use of sippy cups by filling them with juice. Sippy cups are meant to assist your youngster transition to using cups. Long-term use of sippy cups for your toddler is not recommended. When toddlers drink from sippy cups, juice sugars stay in contact with their teeth and mouth for long periods of time, which can lead to tooth rot. If your child exclusively drinks from a sippy cup, make sure it’s just half-filled with water.

Visit a family dentist with your child

Regular dental examinations with a family dentist can uncover problems before they become serious. Preventive dental care can be less expensive than significant dental work. For your child’s next dental appointment, call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161.