Here is What Every Responsible Parent Should Know About their Kid’s Dental Health

Oral health care in children in often surprisingly undervalued. Even though the primary teeth in children are eventually replaced by permanent teeth, it is still imperative that parents inculcate healthy oral habits in their kids as early as possible. Cavity development in primary or baby teeth increases the likelihood of cavity development in permanent teeth. Dental care for children should ideally begin from the age of six months to one year, which is usually when the first of the baby teeth start erupting.

How are Nutrition and Dental Health Related?

Children love unhealthy food! Your kid may love to binge on candies, sweets, chocolate, chips, soda drinks and bread. Excessive intake of “junk foods” can lead towards obesity and tooth decay. Healthy nutrition is an integral part of dental care for children. Anything that is too sugary, starchy or sticky is bad for your kid’s teeth. Here are some of the common culprits:

• * Starchy foods like potato chips, bread, pretzels.
• * Processed foods that are packed with sugar, like canned fruits and fruit juices, breakfast cereals, flavoured milk, jams, biscuits, cookies, cold drinks, cakes, pastries.
• * Chewy/sticky foods like dried fruits, honey, peanut butter, syrups, caramel.

 

So what are some of the healthy, delicious replacements that you can offer to your kid?

• * Give your kid calcium-rich foods like yoghurt, milk, cheese and even broccoli. Low-fat dairy products are the way to go!
• * Include more fruits and vegetables in your kid’s diet such as melons, apples, celery and pears.
• * Opt for protein sources like eggs, lean meats, beans, fish, peas and nuts.
• * Apart from making wise food choices, you also need to have a childrens dentist whom you regularly visit for dental check-ups.

 

Initial Signs of Tooth Decay

No parent would like to see their kid going through tooth decay. It is painful, uncomfortable and will make it difficult for your child to eat, sleep and speak. Make it a point to closely monitor your child’s teeth and reach out to a children’s emergency dentist as soon as you notice these initial signs of tooth decay:

• * White and chalky spots on teeth near the gum line. This is the first stage of tooth decay. Waste no time and consult your dentist.
• * Brown spots on teeth, red and swollen gums are the symptoms of the next stage of tooth decay.
• * Blackened teeth, loss of tooth structure, extremely inflamed and red gums are what lie ahead if you don’t control the decay at initial stages and let it progress to the advanced stage.

If you notice the first signs of tooth decay in your kid, immediately get in touch with a childrens or paediatric dentist to discuss possible treatment options. The sooner you catch the decay, the better are the chances of beating it.

Trust Shailer Park Dental to take the best care of your kid’s teeth. A well-known dental care brand in suburbs of Carbrook, Daisy Hill, Springwood, Mount Cotton, Redland Bay, Victoria Point and Tanah Merah of Logan city in Queensland, Australia, Shailer Park Dental provides a complete range of dental treatment for children.