In this day and age, information is becoming increasingly more available for how both parents and children can lead healthier lives. People can learn almost anything, anywhere with the proliferation of the Internet, yet some may be surprised to find out that parents may be responsible for many bad habits being exhibited by children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 42 percent of children ages 2-11 have experienced cavities in their baby teeth. On top of that, 21 percent of children ages 6-11 have cavities in their permanent teeth. It’s important for parents to instill the importance of healthy food and oral care decisions from a young age so they can lead healthy “dental lives” and minimize costly and uncomfortable dental care when they are older.
For one, helping kids brush and monitoring their brushing methods is important. It shows that the kids are taking brushing seriously and not doing a half-effort job. Research has shown that most children don’t have the skills to brush themselves until they are 7 or 8 years old.
Another mistake parents to tend to make involves leaving a bottle with a baby while it is sleeping. If the baby awakes, it may drink from a bottle or sippy-cup to soothe itself in the middle of night. However, that also causes tooth decay from sugars and bacteria levels. Babies need care, and that includes a first visit to the dentist by the age of 1 — or when the first tooth erupts.
Healthy foods also play a big role. Bananas and crackers may seem like healthy foods for babies, but concentrated sugars in those foods could spur proper growth. Those foods also can get stuck in the crevices in growing teeth and lead to cavities. Speaking of cavities, they need to be identified and taken care of as soon as possible. That’s why parents are advised to maintain a regular 6-month hygiene dental schedule where children are seen by a dentist twice or more per year, or immediately when their teeth hurt.
One of the most dangerous food choices children will often make is the consumption of liquid sugars. While some juices and occasional consumption of soft drinks or sports drinks may be appropriate, these items should be limited because the liquid form of sugar (especially in acidic drinks like pop) are the most causative of cavities.
Fluoride applications, in the dental office, consumption of water (keep in mind bottled does not contain the protective fluoride that tap water does), and use of fluoride toothpaste and mouthrinses are very protective and can help reduce the chances of cavities.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. The pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults, including being an Invisalign preferred provider. The ability to treat all special needs patients reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy. Valued hospital affiliations allow dental services to be 
performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John’s Hospital Macomb when needed. Our specialists are also on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
