How To Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy and Happy

With regards to oral health care, “The sooner, the better” is a great mindset to embrace. Neglecting baby teeth because of their eventual replacement can lead to serious oral complications in a child’s future. Also, the process of teaching a child valuable oral care practices can be a bonding experience for the parent and child. Winn Family Dentistry is a Chippewa Falls dental practice that has significant experience in treating childrens’ dental issues and encouraging children to adopt and follow good oral hygiene practices. Winn Family Dentistry proudly embraces the WDA’s creed: “Baby Teeth Matter.”

Baby Teeth Do Matter

The importance of baby teeth cannot be understated. Even though permanent teeth eventually replace them, baby teeth provide structure for the emerging permanent teeth. In addition, most children have baby teeth until they are 12 or 13 years old; painful complications such as cavities and infections can cause extensive, long-lasting pain if the problems are not resolved by dentists. Parents in Chippewa Falls should take their children to a childrens’ dentistry clinic in Chippewa Falls by their first birthday, with many dental professionals recommending that a child’s first visit should be at 6 months of age.

Establishing Oral Hygiene Habits for Children

Parents should begin brushing their childrens’ teeth at the first sign of teeth emerging. For the first brushing sessions, parents should use only a dollop of fluoridated toothpaste. Parents should continue to brush the childrens’ teeth until the children have the motor skills and discipline to effectively brush their own teeth. Parents should ensure that their children brush their teeth twice a day, with one of the brushing sessions occurring before the childrens’ bedtime. Parents should refrain from giving sugary snacks and beverages to their children to reduce the chances of cavities and tooth decay. Chippewa Falls dentists can provide additional guidelines for parents who want to teach their children how to maintain their oral health.

Winn Family Dentistry includes childrens’ dentistry as part of our comprehensive dental services. We accept patients regardless of age, and we provide a comprehensive list of dental services – including preventative maintenance and emergency care. Our dental clinic in Chippewa Falls is open on weekdays, and patients can request appointments online as well as complete patient forms online (or download forms as PDF and submit the completed forms). We can also be reached via email at admin@winnfamilydentistry.com or by phone at (715) 723-0287.