Dental Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Your Little Hero’s Teeth – Part 2

It’s important that we take care of our little heroes, especially when they’re first starting to learn about dental hygiene. At Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry, we know that what we show kids today will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Sometimes, what we think are good habits may be harmful in the long run and figuring out the good from the bad can be tricky. This is the second part of our series on dental mistakes to avoid when caring for your little hero’s pearly whites.
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No Fluoride

While the use of fluoride still remains controversial, research shows it can definitely prevent cavities and tooth decay. Parents are encouraged to begin using it as soon as their little hero’s first tooth pops in. An amount equivalent to a grain of rice is recommended for children 3 years and younger and a pea-sized amount is recommended for kids 3 to 6 years of age.

Ignoring Cavities

Just because baby teeth will fall out does not mean you should dismiss any cavities that form. Infected cavities in baby teeth can affect the spacing of adult teeth. They also help the jaw to grow. Badly formed baby teeth can lead to problems later in life. Poorly formed teeth can cause loss of sleep or speech impediments and low self-esteem.

“Healthy” Snacks

Healthy snacks like raisins, bananas and crackers have often been considered healthy, but it’s important to remember that these foods also have sugars that are detrimental to your little hero’s mouth. Gummy foods often stick to teeth and are not easily washed away, which can cause cavities. The best way to consume foods with sugar is to wash them down with water or eat them along with other foods. The production of saliva and water will help them wiggle out of those crevices and prevent tooth decay.

Establish Healthy Habits

It can be easy to dismiss healthy habits when your little heroes are young. After all, baby teeth do come and go. But healthy oral hygiene habits should be implemented in order to ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth. Make your appointment with Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry today to learn more about what you can do to prevent cavities.