Albuquerque Children’s Dentist

Poor oral health can have harmful long-term effects on systemic health. Building a strong foundation for your child’s oral health will provide benefits that will last them a lifetime.

ABQ Pediatric Dentists

Pediatric dentists know that baby teeth require the same amount of dental care as adult teeth. Caring for your child’s baby teeth is just as important as caring for his or her permanent teeth.

Baby teeth play an important role in a child’s development. They erupt between the ages of 6 months and 1 year, and aid a child’s speaking, chewing and jaw development. They also save space in the jaw for the permanent teeth that are growing under the gums.

A baby tooth that is lost too early may cause remaining teeth to drift to fill the empty space, forcing the permanent teeth to grow in crowded and/or crooked. Therefore, starting your child off with good oral care from a family or pediatric dentist as early as possible can help protect the adult teeth yet to come.

Children’s Teeth & Dental Care

The vulnerability of teeth to decay and disease is very high; higher than many might realize. Your child’s permanent teeth are meant to last — once they are gone, they are gone forever.

Permanent teeth erupt around age 6 or 7 and continue into teenage and early adult years. Establishing good oral habits early in life by focusing on the health of gums and teeth is essential for keeping those permanent teeth healthy.

Decay, aka cavities, penetrates the enamel of the tooth and destroys the pulp within. The growth of bacteria, aided by the buildup of plaque and tartar, can lead to gum disease, or periodontitis. Without treatment, decay and periodontal disease can create the perfect conditions for tooth loss.

Healthy teeth and gums also play an important role in a person’s overall health in addition to their aesthetic qualities. Studies have found a direct correlation between inflammation in the mouth and inflammation in the body. Poor oral health and gum disease significantly increase the risk factors associated with diabetes, heart disease, stroke, pneumonia and complications with pregnancy.

These problems are all easily preventable with regular brushing and flossing in addition to regular teeth cleanings and checkups from your family dentist in Albuquerque.

Tips on Preventing Cavities in Baby Teeth: Do’s and Don’ts

There are steps you can take to help develop your child’s foundation for a lifetime of good oral health:

• Limit the time teeth are exposed to liquids containing sugar, such as:
  • Juice
  • Formula
  • Milk
• Never put your child to bed with a bottle or sippy cup containing sugary liquids
• Don’t dip your child’s pacifier in sweeteners, including honey

When you go for your regular dental appointment, bring your toddler with you and allow them to:

• Sit in your lap in the dental chair
• Interact with friendly dental staff
• Play games like opening and closing his or her mouth so that the dentist can shine a light inside

Make sure to reward your child’s efforts. This will greatly reduce any future fear associated with visiting the dentist.

Family Dentistry for the Health of Your Children’s Teeth

At LoPour & Associates DDS Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Albuquerque, we focus on providing the highest quality cosmetic and family dentistry to our patients. We work hard to build lasting relationships with our patients of all ages and give them the tools for a lifetime of oral health through our commitment to excellence. Contact us today for dentistry that will help your children build a strong foundation of oral hygiene.