Elgin Children’s Dentist | Choosing the Right Toothpaste for Your Child

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the United States. For reference, about 20% of kids aged 5-11 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth. Additionally, a study conducted by the University of Southern California found that roughly ⅓ of elementary school absences were caused by dental problems. 

The best way to help your child avoid becoming a part of these statistics is to make sure they have a great oral hygiene routine that saves their teeth from decay. Part of that routine involves choosing the right toothpaste for the job.

Enjoyable Flavors

Perhaps the one of the easier decisions to make when it comes to your child's toothpaste is flavor and fun colors. Brushing twice a day, every day is not going to be as easy for your child to accomplish if they do not like the flavor of their toothpaste. Let them decide which flavors they like and choose their own toothpaste when possible. Sometimes, mint and similar flavors will be too "spicy" or intense for your child's mouth. 

Consider berry or bubblegum flavored alternatives that kids can enjoy. Sometimes these flavors come in entertaining colors and packages that can also help get your child excited about their dental health. 

Avoid Abrasives

Some toothpastes include mild abrasives that can help remove surface stains and debris from teeth. Unfortunately, these abrasives can also damage your child's sensitive tooth enamel. 

To avoid this problem, stay away from whitening toothpastes. You should also consult with our pediatric dental office about which abrasives to avoid and which toothpastes we recommend as safe. 

Look for the ADA Seal of Approval

The American Dental Association is one of the leading professional dental associations in the country. Their strict testing procedures on many brands and types of toothpastes ensure that the product is high quality, safe for use and is effective. This important Seal of Approval is easily seen on many boxes and can help you narrow down your options quickly. 

If you help your child keep up with their daily routine, you are helping protect them from potential tooth decay in the future. However, if your child is complaining of sensitive or painful teeth, it may be time to visit our office for an evaluation. Our pediatric dental team will examine your child's mouth for signs of tooth decay or other oral health issues and create a treatment plan that can restore their smile to it's full health. 

Kids First Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: 847-717-5437
Url: http://kidsfirstpd.com/
cash, credit card
1640 Capital Suite Ste 500
Elgin, IL 60124

Kids First Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: 847-717-5437
Url: http://kidsfirstpd.com/
cash, credit card
75 West Schaumburg Road
Schaumburg, IL 60194

Kids Dentist Schaumburg IL | Why Baby Teeth Are Just as Important as Permanent Teeth

Your child's primary teeth (commonly called "baby teeth") are pretty interesting, and we're not just saying that because we're pediatric dentists. In most mouths, there are 20 primary teeth in total. They are already present in your child's jaw at the time of birth and they will usually begin to appear between the ages of 6-12 months. 

Usually referred to as teething, this process can be an important and exciting stage in you and your child's life. We probably all have at least one story of a lost baby tooth. However, despite their cultural significance, many fail to see the health-related importance of these teeth. One question we get quite frequently is, "If my child's baby teeth are just going to fall out anyway, is it even worth taking care of them?"

While it may seem like caring for your child's baby teeth isn't all that important, nothing could be further from the truth. Called "Nature's Braces" by some dentists, baby teeth are incredibly important to a child's overall health and development. 

When baby teeth are lost too early, due to decay or some other factor, the gaps left behind can cause major issues in the development of your child's permanent teeth. As permanent teeth start to come in, they can drift into the empty space left behind by a missing primary tooth, making it difficult for other teeth to come in straight. The end result is often a crooked and misaligned smile that requires expensive orthodontic care in the future. 

Additionally, baby teeth are necessary to help your child in everything from chewing and speaking to smiling with confidence.

Primary teeth are important to more than just the tooth fairy and are critical to your child's development. To make sure they stay healthy and do their job, help your child brush their teeth at least twice a day and participate in all the other aspects of a great oral hygiene routine. 

As a part of that routine, make sure that you continue to schedule regular dental appointments for your child at our pediatric dental office. We are specialists in providing excellent, kid-focused dental care in a warm and welcoming environment. Contact our pediatric dental team to set up your next appointment today.  

Kids First Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: 847-717-5437
Url: http://kidsfirstpd.com/
cash, credit card
1640 Capital Suite Ste 500
Elgin, IL 60124

Kids First Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: 847-717-5437
Url: http://kidsfirstpd.com/
cash, credit card
75 West Schaumburg Road
Schaumburg, IL 60194