Preventing Childhood Dental Problems

You want to make sure you do your part in preventing your child from developing any problems with their teeth that could have been avoided. Many new parents put plenty of attention into doing the right thing for their baby's new teeth, but they know very little about making sure they don't do the wrong things. You can learn about some of the wrong things in this article, so you can help your baby have the healthiest teeth possible.

Don't let your child use the pacifier for too long

A pacifier can be a big help when it comes to helping your baby calm down and to helping them fall asleep when they are having a difficult time. However, some babies can become too dependent on the pacifier; they can also have a hard time letting go of it when they get older. This can cause them to use it too much while their teeth are developing. Try to get your child off the pacifier by the time they are two years old.

Don't give your baby a bottle while they are in their bed

There are several reasons why it's a bad idea for you to put your baby to bed with a bottle. First, it poses a choking hazard. Also, it can cause them to get ear infections because the liquid can pool where it can affect their ear canals. Finally, giving your baby a bottle while they are in bed can cause them to develop baby bottle tooth decay. This is the commonly used term for infant tooth decay that has been caused by too much tooth exposure to fluids.

Don't think that baby teeth don't matter just as much as adult teeth. While your baby will lose these teeth and they will be replaced with permanent ones, the baby teeth are still very important. They will be used for eating and talking. Therefore, you want your child to do these things with healthy teeth. Also, you don't want your child to be made fun of by other children due to decaying teeth that could have been prevented. They may also experience pain and possible infection, which you will of course want to prevent.

Now that you know what not to do when it comes to your little one's teeth, you will be in a better position to give them the best possible start when it comes to their dental health. Contact a business like Schererville Family Dentistry, PC to learn more.