Teaching Kids About Gum Health Early

When it comes to teaching your kids about gum health, you can’t start too early. As soon as they have the motor skills to hold and operate a toothbrush, it’s time to start showing them how to brush their teeth while explaining the importance of proper oral hygiene.

The Importance of Teaching Your Child About Gum Health and Oral Hygiene

Baby teeth or primary teeth are incredibly important. They help your child eat, chew and learn to speak properly. They are also more prone to cavities than adult teeth because the enamel is not as hard. In fact, cavities and tooth decay is the number one oral health problem in children. Cavities and tooth decay in children can cause pain and lead to the need for fillings. In severe instances, your child may even need to have a tooth pulled, which can impact the way your child’s adult teeth emerge from the gums.

Visiting our pediatric dentist early and often can help identify oral health problems so that they can be corrected. These visits also allow you the opportunity to ask questions and get tips and tricks on how to help your child learn to brush his or her teeth.

Your Child’s First Dental Visit

All children should visit the dentist by their first birthday or shortly after they get their first baby tooth to get used to visiting the dentist and to make sure the jaw and teeth are developing properly. After the first visit, we recommend scheduling appointments every six to 12 months. If problems are noticed, treatment plans can be developed before the oral health issues impact your child’s ability to chew, eat and speak.

To schedule a pediatric dental appointment with our dentist in Melbourne, FL, call us at 321-622-6255.