Tips for children’s dental health
Take care of those baby teeth, dentists say. A child’s diet, health, language skills and ability to concentrate in school all depend on their teeth before they’re replaced by the adult versions.
Limit soda, sports drinks and other sugary beverages, and drink them at a meal instead of over several hours. A continual supply of sugar is perfect for the bacteria in the mouth that can gradually dissolve tooth enamel if unchecked. Dr. Bob Mason, a retired Fort Smith dentist, urged parents who give infants and toddlers bottles before bed to stick with water.
Take children to their first dentist visit by 1 year of age or within 6 months of the first tooth’s appearance, whichever’s first.