The Importance of Good Oral Health in Children

You may think that your child doesn't need to visit the dentist until they're older, since their baby teeth will fall out anyway. However, it's important to maintain good oral health in children from the minute their first tooth makes an appearance. We know that going to the dentist can be a scary new experience for a child, which is why we place such importance on being a family-friendly, child-friendly dental practice.

Our dentists and staff are great with kids, and our office is equipped with toys, blankets, a play area, snacks, and other amenities to keep your child happy and comfortable. Call us at 303-617-9100 to schedule your child's appointment.

Why Take Care Of Your Child's Teeth?

Healthy baby teeth are key to making sure that your child's adult teeth come in with no problems. Even babies can get cavities, and around 40% of children aged two to five have cavities. It may not seem like a big deal for your child to have a cavity or two, but untreated cavities can lead to more severe consequences such as:

• Infection, which can run deep enough to affect the adult teeth waiting to come in
• Premature loss of a baby tooth, which can cause adult teeth to grow in crooked

You should visit us with your child by the time he or she turns one. We can check their gums and their teeth, and give you advice for preventing cavities. Dental visits with very young children are quick, so you don't need to worry that your baby won't be able to handle it.

Preventing Cavities in Children

While unfortunately some children will get cavities no matter how careful you are with their oral health, there are ways to help keep their teeth as healthy as possible. Some tips for helping to prevent tooth decay in your child include:

• Avoid sugar as much as possible
• Brush your child's teeth as soon as they come in
• Start flossing as soon as two teeth touch
• Maintain regular dental visits as soon as teeth come in
• If you are prone to cavities yourself, don't share utensils or toothbrushes with your child

Avoiding sugar means not just candy, but also things like fruit juice, soda, and white bread. It's okay for your child to have these in moderation, but remember to brush their teeth afterwards. Fruit juice and even milk have sugars that if allowed to sit on the teeth all night long can lead to what dentists used to call "baby bottle tooth decay." Once your child is off the bottle and eating solid foods, water is the best drink for their oral health.

Nowadays, dentists have preventative tools and technology to help your child avoid tooth decay. We can provide sealants to help prevent bacteria from making a home in the ridges on your child's teeth. We can apply protective fluoride coating and even provide fluoride supplements if necessary. We will be by your side as your child grows, giving you advice and treatment options for every stage of your child's tooth development.

Schedule Your Child's Dentist Appointment Today

Don't wait to take a proactive role in your child's dental health. Call Highpoint Dental Care and Implant Center Care and Implant Center today at 303-617-9100 to schedule his or her dental appointment. We serve families in Aurora, Centennial, Parker, Green Valley Ranch, and other nearby areas of Colorado.