Proper Dental Care for the Youngest Patients

It is important not to underestimate the critical role baby teeth play in a child’s overall development. Baby teeth are essential for helping children chew their food, helping them learn to speak, shaping their appearance, and for staking out jaw space for the permanent teeth that will eventually appear. Given these vital tasks, baby teeth deserve proper attention and a thorough dental care regimen. Since February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and many family dentistry practices are hosting Give Kids A Smile program events, now is an ideal time to review the right way to care for baby teeth and set the stage for a lifetime of good oral health. Perhaps the best way to prevent your child from developing tooth decay early on is to take active steps to eliminate the bacteria known to cause it. By following stringent oral hygiene practices, it is possible to drastically reduce the number of bacteria present in the mouth at any given time, cutting the risk of tooth decay significantly. Fortunately, this is not a terribly difficult objective to meet, provided you are willing to follow a few simple dental care steps. Avoid giving young children sugary snacks, sweetened beverages, or copious amounts of snacks throughout the day. Never offer pacifiers dipped in honey as a method of calming your baby, and do not allow an infant to fall asleep with a bottle. Do not share spoons or cups with youngsters, as it is an easy way to spread the bacteria in your own mouth to theirs. Helping small children brush their teeth properly is critical in order to ensure good oral health over the long term. Supervising their brushing sessions is key, as is making certain they have the right type of toothpaste. Flossing is a great idea for older children, as it eliminates food particles that can easily lead to the tooth decay you wish to avoid. During the month of February, dentists participating in National Children’s Dental Health Month and Give Kids A Smile events will be demonstrating their commitment to improving the oral health of youngsters everywhere. Take the time to chat with your kids about the importance of sound dental care now, and they will surely thank you later. To learn about our family dentistry practice in Bradenton, call today at or make an appointment. Manatee Dental offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Bradenton. With 2 affiliated practices in the Bradenton area, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At , we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at .