{"id":73,"date":"2019-02-03T10:18:51","date_gmt":"2019-02-03T10:18:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.billpoedds.com\/blog\/?p=73"},"modified":"2019-02-25T10:21:18","modified_gmt":"2019-02-25T10:21:18","slug":"dentist-in-los-alamitos-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.billpoedds.com\/blog\/2019\/02\/03\/dentist-in-los-alamitos-2\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Tips From a Dentist In Los Alamitos For Children\u2019s Dental Health Month"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"SmilingWhen you think of the health conditions that affect children the most, you probably think of allergies or the common cold. But you might be surprised to learn that the most common untreated childhood disease is actually tooth decay! In fact, the Center for Disease Control states that an estimated 1 out of every 5 children aged 2-11 has at least one cavity. But, fortunately, cavities are 100% preventable. Since February is National Children\u2019s Dental Health Month, it\u2019s the perfect time to learn some valuable information about children\u2019s oral health and how you can help your child have a healthy smile. Keep reading for 3 tips to minimize the dental work they need from a children\u2019s dentist in Los Alamitos and give them a lifetime of great dental health!<\/p>\n

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1. Establish Good Oral Hygiene From an Early Age<\/h2>\n

Many kids struggle with brushing and flossing habits, so starting as early as possible will make it easier later on. Children of all ages respond well to routine, which can be simply wiping your child\u2019s gums with a damp cloth twice a day when they\u2019re an infant, or creating a reward system for when your toddler lets you brush their teeth twice a day.<\/p>\n

Also, avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle that has anything other than water in it, since even milk and formula has sugars that can lead to severe cavities (called baby bottle tooth decay).<\/p>\n

2. Check Your Child\u2019s Oral Hygiene Habits<\/h2>\n

If your children are older and are brushing and flossing their own teeth, this month is a great time to double check that they\u2019re doing a good job. The recommended brushing time is 2 minutes, but many kids only brush for 20-30 seconds, which isn\u2019t adequate to keep their smile healthy!<\/p>\n

One easy way to encourage them to brush for the recommended time is either to play a song for 2 minutes or get them an electric toothbrush for kids, which automatically stays on for the right amount of time.<\/p>\n

3. Schedule Your Child\u2019s First Checkup By Age 1<\/h2>\n

The American Dental Association recommends that children see a dentist for the first time within 6 months of getting their first tooth (or around their first birthday). If your child is older than that, simply schedule them as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what you can expect at your child\u2019s first checkup:<\/a><\/p>\n