Everything you need to know about caring for kids’ teeth

It’s a common misconception that baby teeth are not as important as permanent teeth. Milk teeth or baby teeth allow a child to smile, chew and speak well. Moreover, primary teeth help maintain the space in a child’s jaws for permanent teeth. To keep your child’s teeth clean, strong, and healthy, brush twice a day for at least a couple of minutes. Use fluoride toothpaste to keep cavities away. Use an amount of toothpaste as little as a grain of rice when brushing the teeth of children below three years old. For children age three years and up, use a pea-sized amount. Kami Hoss, DDS, advises parents to help their children clean their teeth until they are sure the kids do the task on their own.

Parents must make sure their children get regular visits to the dentist. As soon as a parent sees their child’s first tooth, they should visit the dentist. Dental health concerns like cavities, plaques, and baby teeth growth will be addressed during the initial visit. It’s important for parents to be mindful of what their kids are eating and drinking, mentions Dr. Kami Hoss. Fruit soda and juices may contain excessive amounts of sugar, which can damage the teeth.

Pay attention to “baby bottle decay.” Avoid letting a child nap with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice still in their mouth. Liquids with sugar cling to the teeth, which feed the bacteria, resulting in tooth decay.

Dr. Kami Hoss holds a master’s in craniofacial biology and a doctorate in dental surgery. He is the CEO and co-founder of The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. Read more from Dr. Hoss here.