Based on recent studies, Canada is ranked among the best when it comes to overall oral
health. In fact, Canadians have access to some of the best oral health care in the world.
Wait times to see a dentist and to receive treatments are typically a non-issue, and the
majority of Canadians believe they have good oral health.
However, while most citizens realize the importance of maintaining a healthy mouth and
receiving proper dental care, sometimes, they have trouble getting their children to follow
suit.
As dentists, cavities are one of the most common and problematic dental issues we see in
young patients. Left untreated, cavities can cause pain and infection and can also lead to
a number of unwanted problems down the road. The good news is cavities are preventable
if you implement the following steps.
For babies:
Wipe their gums with a soft wash cloth in the morning and before bed to wipe away
bacteria. When the teeth first start to surface, brush with a small, soft toothbrush twice
day using only water to keep clean. Children who are younger than 2 should not use
fluoride toothpaste until they have learned how to spit it out.
For children:
To get ahead of cavities, encourage your child to brush their teeth twice daily with fluoride
toothpaste. Avoid giving your child sugary drinks as they can contribute to tooth decay.
Water is best. Also, ask your child’s dentist to apply sealants when appropriate to prevent
cavities. Most importantly, help your young child brush their teeth until they can maintain
good brushing skills on their own. As parents, make sure you talk to your children about
the importance of oral health.
Ease their anxiety
It’s natural for children to be nervous the first time they visit the dentist. There is a large
amount of fear and pre-conceived notion that children think they are going to have a painful
experience. To combat worry, address their concerns on a level that your child will
understand. It may be helpful to walk them through exactly what will occur during their
appointment, so that they know what to expect. The dental practice should be well-versed
on helping children through their appointment as well.
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