Children's Dentist in Lincoln - Preserve Family Dentistry

Children’s Dentistry: Why It’s Most Important

Keeping your kids healthy is one of the most important things you can do in life. Children’s dentistry is a cornerstone of Preserve Family Dentistry. We know that maintaining the health of your kids is essential, but most people forget one thing:

“Everything you eat passes through your mouth.“

Image of a happy young girl who is an excellent candidate for children's dentistry with a dentist near me in Lincoln, NE at Preserve Family Dentistry. by dentists in Lincoln, NE

In our article we’ll answer the following commonly asked questions:

When should a child first visit the dentist?

How do I prepare my two year old for the dentist?

Should I put sealants on my child’s teeth?

This means that your oral health is directly related to your overall health. Recent studies have established a much more significant relationship between oral and overall health. And this goes almost double for your children! Because your kids are learning from you, the parent, how to behave, their oral hygiene habits will develop and last a lifetime. It may seem intimidating, but we believe in you and want to help!

We’re happy to give parents the tools to educate their kids on excellent oral health habits, ensuring a healthy, happy life. With all of that being said, below are a few things from our gentle dentist in Lincoln, NE that you should know about children’s dentistry.

Cavities in Children

Out of the many chronic diseases that exist, cavities are the most common in the US. It doesn’t take much for babies to develop cavities, which are also called dental caries. Because of the thin enamel in baby teeth, cavities are common for young children. Thankfully, there are many preventive measures you can take to prevent cavities in baby teeth. This starts at home with good oral hygiene practices. Regularly brushing your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste helps greatly. Good oral hygiene also includes bringing your child to a “dentist near me in Lincoln, NE” as soon as they develop teeth. Your dentist in Lincoln, NE at Preserve will be glad to help you keep an eye out for any issues before they happen.

Image showing the progression of a cavity. It is a good idea to seek children's dentistry with a dentist near me in Lincoln, NE to keep your child's oral health in top shape from dentists in Lincoln, NE

How do children develop cavities?

Most children consume unhealthy levels of starches and sugars without realizing it. This can come from juice, sports drinks, soda, etc. These drinks have high levels of acidity and slowly wear away the minerals on baby teeth. When these minerals deteriorate, white spots may appear. According to your dentist in Lincoln, NE this is one of the early indicators of tooth decay.

Before we get ahead of ourselves, know that there’s no need to worry if your child’s tooth has a white spot. With good oral hygiene, you can stop, or even reverse, tooth decay. If you help your child avoid exposure to sugary drinks, this will encourage healthy habits for the future and prevent cavities now.

Over time, the progression of cavities in baby teeth happens if you don’t keep your child’s teeth in check. As a reminder, this behavior is what makes children’s dentistry and seeing a gentle dentist in Lincoln, NE, so important. The habits your child develop now will change the way they stay healthy in the future.

Image showing a banner for National Kid's Dental Health Month. Finding a dentist near me in Lincoln, NE for children's dentistry is important. from dentists in Lincoln, NE

Preventing Cavities in Baby Teeth

While it seems like finding “pediatric dentistry in Lincoln, NE” or simply taking your child to a dentist in Lincoln, NE, can lead to a lot of potential stress and pressure, children’s dentistry is simple. Ensure healthy oral habits for your kids, and it will become second nature to them as they age. So what things can you do now to help instill good oral hygiene habits?

Image of a happy boy brushing his teeth. A dentist near me in Lincoln, NE who offers children's dentistry taught him the importance of great oral hygiene at home.

Children’s Dentistry Tooth-Friendly Tips From Our Dentist Near Me in Lincoln, NE

Pay attention to what your kids eat and drink.

When your children consume a lot of sugar, it increases the likelihood that they’ll develop cavities. While it’s unrealistic to say they’ll never have sugar, it’s important to know how much they’re eating and what it is. And if your children are eating too frequently, their saliva will not have the preventative effect it’s supposed to.

Make brushing and flossing exciting.

Make sure your kids brush twice per day, and once they’re old enough, help them floss regularly too. Be sure to supervise their brushing routines to make sure they do it correctly and safely. And by making games out of oral habits, you can teach your children how to take care of their own teeth over time. This ensures a lifelong dedication to good oral hygiene.

Visit the children’s dentist regularly with your child.

While your child’s at-home habits are most important, encouraging them to see the dentist in Lincoln, NE regularly is a close second. Just like with oral hygiene, creating a habit of seeing the dentist will create a lifelong of healthy habits. This will do two things primarily: 1. It will teach them that regular dental visits are necessary and 2. It will help them to like the dentist early on. Take your kids to our Lincoln children’s dentist for gentle family dentistry in Lincoln, NE. Our gentle dentist in Lincoln, NE offers regular check-ups to help prevent cavities in your child. Don’t let cost be a determining factor. Our team can help. Learn more about affordable dentistry in Lincoln, NE.

Answers to Commonly Asked Questions about Children’s Dentistry:

When should a child first visit the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child goes to the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts.

How do I prepare my two year old for the dentist?

Begin brushing early to help your child find a good routine. In addition, praise and positive reinforcement can go a long way. Encouragement while your child is brushing can help them feel good about completing the task.

If possible, don’t be afraid to stop by and check out the dental clinic with your child. By having a visit prior to their first appointment, they can become somewhat familiar with the dental clinic and the team of dental professionals they’ll be seeing.

Should I put sealants on my child's teeth?

Some brands of sealant material contain BPA, which in certain concentrations is harmful to human health. The amount of BPA that is typically present in dental sealants is about 0.09 nanograms. This is well below the limit of exposure for a 40 lb. six-year-old child.

The ADA recognizes sealants as safe and effective for the prevention of cavities on the chewing surfaces of permanent molars. As a children’s dentist in Lincoln, NE, I always select teeth for sealants based on a thorough evaluation of dental anatomy and medical histories that may contraindicate the use of sealant material.

If you have questions about children’s dentistry, don’t hesitate to let us know! You can also set up a consultation with our gentle dentist in Lincoln, NE at any time. Hoping to find a dentist close to home or school? Learn more about finding a dentist in Lincoln, NE. We’ve been working with kids and oral hygiene for many years. There’s no shame in asking questions at Preserve – in fact, we encourage it! We want to ensure you’ve got the resources you need to teach your kids good oral habits. And most of all, to the hardworking parents out there:

We believe in you.

–The Preserve Family Dentistry Team, Lincoln, NE.