Did you know...
Sharks have no bones and are made up of cartilage. When they die, the cartilage dissolves, leaving only their hard teeth behind!
So does that mean that a shark with no teeth dissolves without a trace?! Those baby sharks better learn to take care of their teeth at an early age!
Does that get your attention? Many readers might be surprised by this statement, but it is indeed true. Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease and many parents might be dismayed to hear that they could pass on the bacteria that cause tooth decay to their baby or child.
There is no presence of the bacteria that cause tooth decay in the mouth of newborn babies. However, they are introduced to these bacteria early on by the sharing of utensils, straws, pacifiers, etc. Oftentimes a parent can be the one who unknowingly exposes their child to these bacteria. If a parent cleans a pacifier with their own mouth or uses the same spoon as their baby, they are passing their oral bacteria to their child. This isn't always a problem, but if a parent has active decay in their own mouth or doesn't practice optimal oral hygiene themselves, they are putting their child at risk. Parents must also be aware of the potential for another childcare provider (babysitter, nanny, grandparent, daycare worker) to pass on their own oral bacteria to their child.
This does not mean that a parent can never share a utensil with their child ever again; however, parents must understand the importance of their own oral health and that of their child. Children should visit the dentist within six months of the appearance of their first tooth or by twelve months of age. Implementing good oral hygiene early on will help children to understand the value of their oral health -- and parents are the optimal role models! Parents must model this behavior themselves and make their own oral health a priority. In turn, this will keep their children healthier and less susceptible to tooth decay.
And for those pregnant mothers, now is the time to have your teeth cleaned and a thoroughly examined so that any active decay in your mouth can be eliminated before your baby is born. Routine dental treatment is still safe during your pregnancy -- in fact, it will help both you and your baby to be healthier!
You can read more about the contagious nature of cavities here. If your child has not yet had their first dental visit or you have been putting off your own visit, do not hesitate to call Jacques Dentistry today to schedule an appointment!
Do you dread taking your children to the dentist for fear of how they will act? If so, consider these tips for helping your child to stay calm in the dental chair. Because believe us, we want your child to have a good experience!
The last thing we want is for children to be scared and fearful, so we will do everything we can to explain the exam and what we are doing during the appointment. One of the biggest helps come from parents prepping their children beforehand. Tell your children how the dentist will count their teeth and look in their mouth with a special mirror. Avoid scary words or descriptions. If a visit to the dentist is introduced as a new and exciting experience, children will be more open to the appointment and to meeting all the new faces.
Here are some other tips for helping your child to be relaxed and in a good mood come appointment time!
Think they're ready? Call Jacques Dentistry to schedule that initial exam or cleaning appointment so that we can start your child off on the path to great oral health!
And we can't stress enough the importance of instilling good oral hygiene practices for your child. They may need a lot of encouragement, but the rewards are great: healthy and happy children who are able to chew their food adequately, speak with ease, and who are not in pain!
It's hard to believe just how common tooth decay is, but it is even more amazing that tooth decay is mostly preventable. Help your children to make brushing their teeth a normal part of their daily routine. Good habits start early -- and they will keep your kids in their classroom and your money in your pocket!
Let Jacques Dentistry in Greenville, SC, help your children learn to love their teeth and take pride in taking care of them. Call us today to set you and your child up for a dental appointment!
