Children Dental Hygiene - In Your Local Palo Alto, CA Area

Early Child Dentist Visits

Many people don't consider a child's need for pediatric dental care until they actually get their pearly whites. In fact, most kids don't see their child dentist until about two years of age (though they really should have their first appointment by their first birthday). Why spend a lot of time worrying about something that hasn't happened yet, right? While it's true that it's pointless to check an empty mouth for cavities, good child dental care habits begin long before a baby's first baby teeth break through the gums. Ensuring that teeth grow in healthy and in place will result in proper facial arrangement and speaking abilities.

Caring for Your Baby's Teeth!

Whether breast-fed or bottle-fed, baby gums need to be cleaned after every feeding. Just moisten a gauze square and gently wipe away plaque. Never put a baby to bed with a bottle containing anything but water! Sugar could decay teeth beginning to surface. It's also a difficult habit to break, so nix it now before you have to try to pry juice from your 5-year-old's hands.

Healthy Habits Last a Lifetime

Research shows that kids who are brushing their teeth by the age of five will continue this habit all their lives. Begin supervised flossing by this age as well, and be sure to get your child to a dentist by his or her first birthday. Remember that a healthy diet is an important part of good oral health, so reinforce wise food selections during each and every meal. Give your child a head start on good dental health!

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

How Your Family Dentist Can Boost Your Child's Grades

That's right - you read that headline correctly. Regular trips to the family dentist may improve children's grades. He won't tutor them in history or teach them their times tables. In fact, he probably won't teach much of anything beyond how to brush and floss, and chances are he won't quiz them on that any time soon. Still, regular trips to the pediatric dentist could improve your child's academic experience. Do we have your attention?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children miss more than 51 million hours of school per year as a result of pediatric dental problems and related conditions. What's more, dental pain can distract students, cause their school work to suffer and lead to absences. In general, those with healthy teeth are more attentive in class, participate more in school-related activities and have better attendance. All of this spells better grades and a better all around education, thanks to regular child dental care, exams and education.

One of the most important exams your child can pass is the one performed by his or her family dentist, but you still have to do your part. Teach your child to floss once a day and brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, assuming he or she is old enough to use one. Also, a healthy diet will not only boost concentration, but result in healthier teeth and gums. Beware of frequent snacking and repeated exposure to sugary or acidic treats. Most importantly, be sure children attend their dental appointments at least twice a year. Pediatric dentists provide ongoing oral health assessments that will prevent dental conditions - not to mention school absences.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.