February is National Children’s Dental Health month!
Columbia, MD family dentist Dr. Ray Becker and the dental team of Howard County Smiles Family Dentistry wants to raise awareness for the dental health of our littlest patients. Starting children early with an oral hygiene routine is essential for their healthy development and long term well being.
Dental Check Ups From The First Tooth
You should start cleaning your baby’s gums from birth. After feeding, use a warm wet cloth and gently clean the gums. Keeping your baby’s gums clean from the start can help set them up for a lifetime of oral health.
As soon as your notice the first tooth emerging in your child’s mouth, it is time to visit the dentist. Childhood cavities are surprisingly common and can be deterred with regular oral health care. Routine dental cleanings throughout your child’s life can keep plaque and tartar from building up and may reduce childhood cavities.
Get your children engaged with brushing and flossing early on. Make it fun by singing them a song while they brush. Biannual dental check ups and x-rays can help Dr. Becker track the development of your child’s teeth. Dr. Becker offers comprehensive dental treatments for all the different stages of life.
Drink Fluoridated Water
Fluoride is beneficial to people of all ages and should be introduced as soon as the first teeth begin to appear. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel. Strong enamel is less susceptible to tooth decay. Children who grow up drinking fluoridated water tend to develop less advanced oral health conditions as their teeth develop. Many cities add fluoride to the water for the benefit of all residents. Consuming fluoridated water is an important piece of your children’s preventive oral health care routine.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
Family dentistry provides our patients with a one stop convenient dentist office experience. Dr. Becker builds strong patient-doctor relationships for lifelong healthy and beautiful smiles. Dr. Becker also offers a full range of restorative and cosmetic dentistry for your entire family. Contact Howard County Smiles or request an appointment online. We serve patients from many local areas including Columbia, Columbia, and Laurel, MD.