The Importance of Oral Health for Children in Shreveport

As parents it is our job to take care of our children. Plenty of exercise, a healthy diet, and a good night’s sleep are the cornerstones to them living a healthy life. The lesser known, but equally important cornerstone to their health would be their oral health. What many individuals don’t know is that your oral health can affect other aspects of your health and may also show the first signs of much larger concerns. Teaching our children the importance of proper oral care is a vital part of maintaining their overall health.

Proper oral maintenance is crucial.
The health of your entire body starts at the mouth so don’t skimp on your oral care routine. When teeth are just forming, a wet warm washcloth will do the trick, but a brush can be used once table foods are being fed. Starting at two years old, you can brush your child’s teeth use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of low fluoride toothpaste. Cover each surface, working in quadrants, to make sure all plaque is removed from the tooth’s surface. Otherwise, this plaque will slowly eat away at the enamel until cavities form. Brushing should last three minutes so feel free to play your child’s favorite song in the background to keep them entertained while you keep count.

Flossing can start between 2-6 years old so make sure you get between each tooth and wrap the string in a C-shape around each tooth to thoroughly clean the hard-to-reach food from between their teeth. After six, children should be able to perform the brushing ritual on their own but they’ll still need supervision and instruction to make sure they’re doing it right until they’re about ten.

What they eat really makes a difference.
Have you ever felt your teeth after you chomped down on a bag of buttered popcorn? That filmy residue is just sitting there and breaking down your enamel in the process. Sodas often leave a similar texture behind. The foods and beverages we consume truly make a difference in our health and it starts right at the entry point. Now, there’s no reason you can’t treat the kids and yourself to a sweet or salty snack on occasion but stick to the good stuff on regular days.

Healthy fruits and vegetables deliver nutrients that help combat ailments. A glass of water not only provides vital nutrients, but it also helps wash away food that’s sitting on the surface of teeth. Teaching kids healthy dietary habits starts young and it helps drive the idea home if you lead by example.

Regular oral exams check on more than just teeth.
When you come to Cormier Family Dentistry, Drs. Adam & Jana Cormier aren’t simply making sure you brush your teeth regularly. During an oral exam, your child’s teeth and gums are examined to make sure they are in proper health. Your child’s gums can indicate their health and risk for diseases. Due to their proximity, tooth pain can sometimes be caused by sinus infections that may otherwise go unnoticed. Regular exams for children can also indicate problems that may occur when adult teeth erupt. In addition to a professional cleaning, your child’s oral exam can help identify issues before they become true concerns.

Oral health for children in Shreveport is just as important as it is for adults. If you have questions or would like to schedule your child’s oral exam, please contact Cormier Family Dentistry today at (318) 868-4072.