This post from William J. Stewart Jr. DDS Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in San Antonio is for new parents, and couples planning on having children sometime in the future.
An Epidemic of Tooth Decay in Young Children
The statistics on early childhood tooth decay are sobering. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 42% of U.S. children between 2 and 11 years old have in their primary teeth.
At William J. Stewart Jr. DDS Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we are committed to helping today’s toddlers avoid the prevalent tooth decay that has plagued previous generations. If young children are protected from birth, they are more likely to maintain good oral health throughout the rest of their childhood. But this is only possible if parents make it a priority. We urge new parents to be proactive about child dental health from the moment they leave the hospital.
You do your best to safeguard your children from illness and infection. It’s essential to understand that tooth decay is an infectious disease with serious long-term consequences.
Preventative Dentistry For Kids
Here is what we at William J. Stewart Jr. DDS Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry (and the American Dental Association) recommend for a toddler’s first dental visit:
It is advantageous for the first visit to occur within six months of the eruption of the first tooth and no later than 12 months of age, and receiving oral health education based on the child’s developmental needs (also known as anticipatory guidance).
Educate yourselves on how to prevent early childhood dental decay before teeth erupt. Then you will avoid establishing habits that put teeth in danger.
Are You Up To Speed On Best Practices?
For example, you are probably aware that putting a little one to bed with a bottle creates an ideal environment for cavities. But did you know that at-will breastfeeding throughout the night is also detrimental for baby’s teeth?
Other common practices like frequent juice consumption and toddlers drinking from bottles all have dental consequences. Talk to us at William J. Stewart Jr. DDS Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for critical guidance about children’s oral health needs.
We know that sleep-deprived new moms and dads have a lot to worry about. Just make sure your child’s dental health isn’t put on the back burner while you figure out how to make everything work.
At William J. Steward Jr. DDS in San Antonio, services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment today.
Contact William J. Stewart Jr. DDS Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry:
210-493-3040
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
13220 Huebner Rd
San Antonio, Texas
78230
