Parents play a big role in their children’s oral health. If you’re a parent, you likely make many decisions on a regular basis that can impact the health of your child’s teeth. It is important to protect your child’s teeth from decay by keeping them clean and minimizing their exposure to sugar.

Your child’s dentist in North Little Rock, AR, can help you identify more things you can do to help your child develop healthy teeth and gums. Below are some suggestions for helping your child avoid cavities and keeping their teeth clean.

1. Brush your child’s teeth until they can do it themselves.

Many young children lack the coordination to brush their own teeth. Children don’t start developing the coordination to brush their teeth until they’re around 7 or 8. However, it’s a good idea to have your child brush their teeth for practice, even if you are also brushing them.

If you’re unsure if your child is old enough to brush their teeth, talk to the dentist.

2. Monitor your child’s sugar intake.

Sugar consumption can cause cavities. Kids love sugar, so they’re especially vulnerable to cavities. You can help protect your child’s teeth from this problem by keeping sugarless snacks in the house for your child to consume. Limit your child’s consumption of sugary drinks like sodas.

3. Bring your child for regular dental cleanings.

Your child should see the dentist regularly. The dentist will tell you how often to bring your child in for a dental cleaning in North Little Rock, AR. To learn more, call Mounts Dental Care today.

Your child’s first dental checkup is an exciting milestone in their life. Choosing the right dentist in North Little Rock, AR, and taking your child to see the dentist as soon as it’s time is important. Below are three important things you should know about bringing your child to the dentist for the first time.

The check-up should happen by the time your child is one year old.

Many professionals recommend that your child see the dentist for the first time within six months of their first tooth erupting from the gums or when they turn one year old. Bringing your child to the dentist on this schedule helps ensure that the dentist will catch any dental problems in their early stages so the dentist can correct the problems before they become serious.

The dentist will tell you all about how to take care of your child’s teeth.

During the dental appointment, the dentist will tell you all about how to take care of your child’s teeth. They’ll show you how to properly brush your child’s teeth and answer any questions you may have about your child’s oral hygiene.

The dentist will look in your child’s mouth briefly, but may not do a deep examination.

Many children as young as one year old can’t sit still for a long dental exam or appointment. Your child’s dentist will keep the appointment short and comfortable for both of you so your child can have a positive experience their first time at the dentist. Is your child ready for preventative dentistry in North Little Rock, AR? If so, call Mounts Dental Care to make an appointment with one of our dental professionals.

For many kids, fall is a time of great change and excitement for many kids. Between going back to school and celebrating holidays like Thanksgiving and Halloween, most kids have a lot going on at this time of year. Sometimes these activities can get in the way of your child’s normal oral hygiene routine.

As your dentist in North Little Rock, AR, we’re committed to helping you take care of your child’s teeth. Below are some tips that can help at this busy and exciting time of year.

1. Maintain a Healthy Oral Hygiene Routine At Home

Kids need to brush their teeth in the morning and at night, just like adults. When school starts, it’s important to ensure that your child is keeping up with these responsibilities, even though they may be rushed to go to bed in the evening and rushed to get ready for school in the morning. Remember that kids younger than about 7 or 8 years old may need you to brush their teeth for them, to ensure they’re doing a good job.

2. Pack Healthy School Lunches

Stock up on healthy school lunch foods like bread and hummus, crunchy fruits and vegetables, and low sugar yogurt. Packing healthy school lunches can help your child maintain strong, healthy teeth.

3. Control the Sugar Intake Around the Fall Holidays

During Halloween and Thanksgiving, kids often eat a lot of sugary candies, cookies and desserts. Controlling sugar intake around these holidays can help your child avoid cavities.

4. Make An Appointment to See the Dentist

When was the last time your child went to the dentist for a dental cleaning in North Little Rock, AR? If it’s been a while, bring your child to see the dentist at Mounts Dental Care. Call today to make an appointment.

Teething is an important time in your child’s development. When the first teeth appear, your child may experience symptoms that can disrupt their sleep, their mood and their behavior. Knowing what to expect when your baby is teething can help you help your baby feel more comfortable. Once your baby’s teeth have appeared, it’s time to see the dentist in North Little Rock, AR. Here’s what you need to know about teething.

When Does Teething Happen?

Teething can start as early as 4 months old, or as late as 1-year-old. Most babies start teething when they’re about 6 months old. Most babies get their first two teeth on the bottom in the front, and their second pair of teeth on the top in the front.

Signs of Teething in Babies

Teething can be uncomfortable for babies, so when it starts to happen, most babies will show signs of discomfort. When your baby starts teething, they may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• 1 flushed cheek
• Swollen red gums
• Rubbing their ear
• Mildly elevated temperature, not enough to be considered a fever
• Excessive drooling
• Rash on their chin due to drooling
• Gnawing and chewing on toys, fingers, etc
• Fretful
• Difficulty sleeping

When To Take Your Baby to the Dentist

Once your baby’s first tooth appears, you can make an appointment with the dentist. If your baby’s first tooth hasn’t appeared by the time they’re one year old, make an appointment with the dentist anyway. When you bring your baby in for a teeth cleaning in North Little Rock, AR, the dentist will examine your baby’s gums and teeth, show you how to clean your baby’s teeth, and answer any questions you may have about your baby’s oral hygiene.

Want to know more about helping your baby maintain good oral hygiene? Call Mounts Dental Care to make an appointment or talk to one of our dental professionals.