The Fall arrives and we send our children back to school. But as we marvel at how time passes watching our little ones growing so fast, it is important to remember how important dental health is for our children. We all schedule those regular doctor visits for our young ones, you could look here to know how dental appointments are as important as healthy teeth . Because it can ensure your child’s overall health.

According to Georgetown Dental Assistant School, forming good habits at a young age can help your child have healthy teeth for life. Early checkups help prevent cavities and tooth decay, which can lead to pain, trouble concentrating and other medical issues. Youngsters with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly and smile with confidence.

From the time a child is born, there are things we can do to promote healthy teeth and prevent cavities. We should clean a baby’s teeth with a soft, clean cloth or baby’s toothbrush. Avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle, and check teeth regularly for spots or stains.

For young children, we should:

Start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when they are about two years old.
Provide healthy foods, limit sweet snacks and drinks.
Schedule regular dental check-ups.

Tooth decay (cavities) is one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 40 percent of children have decay by the time they reach kindergarten. The good news is that tooth decay is completely preventable. Fluoride varnish, a high concentration fluoride coating that is painted on teeth, can prevent about one-third of decay in the primary, or “baby” teeth. Children living in communities with fluoridated tap water have fewer decayed teeth than children who live in areas where their tap water is not fluoridated. Similarly, children who brush daily with fluoride toothpaste also have less tooth decay.

Applying dental sealants to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth is another way to prevent tooth decay. Studies in children show that sealants reduce decay in permanent molars by 81% for 2 years after they are placed on the tooth, and continue to be effective for 4 years after placement.

The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics say that every child should visit a dentist as soon as their first tooth appears. This “well baby visit” teaches parents and caregivers how to care for their children’s teeth, and help them remain cavity-free.

Once your child is born his or her oral health is a priority for us, as it is for you, and at Daniel N. Galaif DDS we help our patients adhere to California’s Kindergarten Oral Health Requirement. The sooner children begin getting regular dental checkups, the healthier their mouths will be throughout their lives.