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five questions to ask your kids’ dentist: build healthy habits at a young age

five questions to ask your kids’ dentist: build healthy habits at a young age

We know, it can feel overwhelming to be responsible for someone else’s oral health. Especially when that someone is your little one! With so many mixed messages out there about children's oral health, how do you figure out what’s best for your child’s teeth? Our advice: go straight to the professionals. But when you do, make sure you’re prepared with a strong understanding of the basics. That way, you can make informed, empowered decisions on behalf of your little one. Don’t worry, that’s exactly what we’re here to help you with. Read on to discover some important details about kids oral care. After all, when you feel more confident and comfortable at the pediatric dentist, your child can learn to feel the same way, too. 1: what should we expect during our first few visits? We recommend reaching out to your local dentist’s office to discuss what to expect before you head in for your little one’s first appointment. But we’ve also outlined some general info on what to expect below. first visit: the first visit should happen 6 months after the first tooth has come in, or by 12 months at the latest. Depending on your child’s age, the dentist might examine the jaw, bite, gums, and teeth to assess development. They might even perform a gentle cleaning! second visit: this should happen 6 months after the first visit. Frequent visits not only allow you to catch developmental issues...they can also help your child build comfort at the dentist. Your dentist will likely give tips and product recommendations for your child here. As you continue the trend of visits every 6 months, your dentist may recommend X-rays depending on your child’s age and individual tooth development. 2: do baby teeth really matter? Absolutely! It’s tempting to think, “they don’t matter; they’re just going to fall out anyways.” But this way of thinking can really hinder your kids oral health in the long run. Healthy baby teeth lay a healthy foundation for long-term oral health. Not only do healthy baby teeth help your child with chewing and talking, but they give your child a better chance of growing strong and healthy permanent teeth later on. If your child’s teeth are compromised, the resulting bacteria and organisms can actually harm the permanent tooth that’s growing beneath it. Not to mention, if a baby tooth decays, it can fall out too early. This can lead to crooked or damaged adult teeth. 3: what’s the best way to establish habits that promote my kids oral health? Our first piece of advice is to lead by example. Model great oral care behavior by taking great care of your own oral and holistic health. Remember that plaque can begin to accumulate at any age, so you’ll want to clean your child’s teeth as they come in. Some dentists may recommend rubbing a dental wipe or wet cloth on your child’s teeth before bedtime. When they’re old enough to hold the toothbrush themselves, make oral care a fun family ritual that you do together. One of the best ways to build good habits is to make it fun! Be sure to check out our strawberry watermelon natural toothpaste for kids + adults. It’s the perfect fun flavor that you and your little one(s) can enjoy together. We also recommend explaining the importance of each oral care habit, so your child begins to understand why they’re doing these things every single day. On top of that, we encourage you to ask your pediatric dentist or hygienist to show your child how to brush their teeth! They’re experienced in teaching little ones how to get the hang of it, and simply asking can take this intimidating task off your plate. 4: how can I help my child if they experience tooth sensitivity? Tooth sensitivity is a very bio-individual problem. Be sure to ask your dentist for specific recommendations to combat this problem. In general, tooth sensitivity occurs when the tooth’s enamel (hard outer surface) is compromised. This leaves the “tubules” that lead to the tooth’s center nerve “exposed,” so the nerve is left vulnerable. nutrition: avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can wear down the enamel over time, and instead replace them with more nutrient-dense foods  healthy habits: damaged enamel is often associated with poor oral care habits. Ensure that your child is brushing properly every day to avoid enamel wear supplementation: to promote long-term enamel health, consider introducing hydroxyapatite into your kids oral care routine. Hydroxyapatite is a mineral that already exists in your teeth, and adding it back in can strengthen the enamel from the inside out. In the short term, visit your dentist for a treatment that can relieve sensitivity, and be sure to ask them about specific, bio-individual tips for reducing your child’s tooth sensitivity. Your dentist will also be able to determine if the enamel damage requires additional treatment (such as a deep cleaning or a filling). It’s also important to remember that sensitivity can also be a result of new tender adult teeth, sinus issues, or tooth grinding. 5: what oral care products should my child use? Be sure to ask your dentist if your child is ready for flossing. It’s usually recommended to begin flossing when your child’s teeth begin to touch...and they have the patience and dexterity to get the job done.  It’s also a good idea to ask your child’s dentist for a recommendation on the right toothbrush for your little one(s). The grip, softness, and size of your child’s toothbrush can make a big difference, especially when they’re getting used to brushing by themselves! In regards to toothpaste, many dentists will begin recommending fluoride products when your child reaches age 4. This is the age they begin to understand how to spit out toothpaste, which is important because fluoride can be harmful to your little one if they swallow too much of it. That being said, we encourage you to research the pros and cons of fluoride and make your own empowered decision on if/when to introduce it into your kids oral care routine. On our blog, we have several articles that discuss hydroxyapatite, a science-supported, natural alternative to fluoride. Check them out! what is hydroxyapatite (n-HA)? get to know your mouth's new hero ingredient answering your common questions about hydroxyapatite, our newest hero ingredient hydroxyapatite vs. fluoride: how does it compare to the oral care superstar? is hydroxyapatite toothpaste safe for your kids? the five famous benefits of nano-hydroxyapatite how does nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) work to relieve your sensitive teeth? In the meantime, you can rest assured that our strawberry watermelon natural toothpaste will take great care of your child’s teeth, and there’s no harm associated with swallowing it! It’s carefully formulated for kids + adults, and it contains all the bacteria-fighting, teeth-polishing, nature-derived ingredients that our original toothpaste has. It will get the job done, worry-free. Consider it the best natural toothpaste for kids!   buy now.
best toothpaste for toddlers children's oral health FAQ + why Davids is the best toothpaste for toddlers and beyond

children's oral health FAQ + why Davids is the best toothpaste for toddlers and beyond

1: when should my child start brushing with toothpaste? Most dental professionals agree that children are ready to start brushing around the age of 2. It’s important to note that most of the concern regarding this timing centers around a child’s tendency to ingest toothpaste. Most dental professionals don’t recommend brushing before 2 (or after 2 without supervision) because many kids will swallow the toothpaste (after all, it tastes good), which is a problem if that toothpaste contains fluoride and other chemicals. (Note: all ADA-approved toothpastes contain fluoride.) With Davids Natural Toothpaste, you don’t have to worry about this at all. Our toothpaste contains ingredients sourced and derived from nature....and avoids ingredients of concern. Because of this, our toothpaste is safe in the hands of your child. They can actually swallow it with no harm, although we find you get more bang for your buck if they actually use it to brush their teeth. Our NEW strawberry watermelon toothpaste is the perfect toothpaste to get your child started on their oral care routine. Actually, it’s made for adults too, so it’s a great option for the whole family. 2: why is kids oral care so important if their teeth are going to fall out anyway? Healthy baby teeth are so important. Not only do they help them learn how to chew and talk, but they set the stage for your kiddos’ permanent teeth. Your child has a better chance of growing straight and healthy permanent teeth if their baby teeth remain in good health. Bacteria and other oral pathogens can actually transfer from the compromised baby tooth to the permanent tooth that’s developing underneath it. Plus, if a baby tooth decays, it can fall out early. This can cause the adult teeth to grow crooked or damaged. 3: what’s the leading cause of cavities in children? Cavities are a result of bacteria and plaque buildup. High levels of bacteria in your child’s mouth are caused by many different things, some of which include: A high-sugar diet Juice/sugary drinks throughout the night Poor oral hygiene Low saliva flow (dry mouth) Sharing utensils or drinking cups To prevent cavities, be sure to teach them proper oral care habits...such as not sharing food and drinks with others, not eating sugary snacks before bed or during the night, flossing, and brushing for 2 minutes twice a day with an effective toothpaste like Davids. Our natural toothpaste works to reduce plaque, fight bad bacteria, and neutralize your kiddo’s mouth. Our hydroxyapatite toothpaste also works to repair+strengthen the enamel, creating a tougher defense against cavity-causing bacteria. 4: which is more important for my kids oral health: brushing or diet? We hate to break it to you, but oral health depends on both good brushing habits and a mouth-friendly diet. You can’t out-brush a bad diet and vice versa. As Dr. Mark Burhenne of Ask the Dentist explains, a diet rich in whole foods such as ethically-raised animal meats, butter, seeds, and leafy greens is great for strong and healthy teeth. It’s important that your kiddos eat more foods like this....and fewer simple starches and sugars. 5: how can I help my child with sensitive teeth? First, understand the cause of tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity occurs when the tooth enamel (the hard outer layer) gets worn down or damaged by bacteria, acids, scratching from hard foods, and the like. Once the enamel is damaged, it can expose the “tubules” (little holes/pathways) that lead to the tooth’s center nerve. Hot and cold substances (or even just air) can cause sensitivity because these outside forces now have “access” to the tooth’s center nerve. The best way to combat tooth sensitivity is to repair the enamel, and you can accomplish this using hydroxyapatite toothpaste. In our third-party lab testing, we found that Davids Sensitive+Whitening Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste outperformed leading competitors by successfully plugging exposed tubules. On top of this, be sure that your child is flossing daily and brushing twice daily. Consistency is key when it comes to childrens oral health. 6: when should I start bringing my child to the dentist? It’s recommended that you bring your child to the dentist around the 1-year mark...or within 6 months of their first tooth. During this visit, the dentist should cover the management of certain oral habits such as thumb sucking and teething and assess the development of your child’s teeth, gums, and jawline. Your kids oral health will also reach various milestones, which we’ve outlined below.  age 4: by this age, it’s critical to correct any bad (lingering) oral habits such as thumb sucking. Your dentist can help you develop strategies to wean your child off these habits. age 7: this is when your child’s molars grow in. At this point, a dentist or orthodontist can evaluate your child’s bite and identify any potential problems, allowing you to create a plan to solve any issues. However, if your child has any sensitivity or complaints regarding their teeth between these milestones, consider bringing them in between these milestones. 7: should my child use fluoride toothpaste or natural toothpaste? While we can’t make this decision for you, we can say that too much fluoride can cause problems. When it comes to fluoride, there’s always the risk of fluorosis (especially when in the hands of little ones who tend to use more toothpaste than they need). Fluorosis can occur when the body gets too much fluoride in the first 8 years of life, which can cause permanent teeth to appear discolored once they grow in. It can also cause other adverse side effects. This is why fluoride toothpaste always has a poison control warning....and experts recommend watching your child as they brush, so you can be sure they’re not ingesting too much fluoride. With natural toothpaste, you don’t have to worry about any of these things. Our toothpaste does not contain fluoride, and it’s actually safe to ingest. If your child enjoys minty flavored toothpaste, we recommend our nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste, which is comparable to fluoride, as it works to repair and strengthen the enamel from the inside out. However, unlike fluoride, hydroxyapatite is a natural substance that already exists in your (and your child’s) body. If your kiddo prefers fruity flavored toothpaste, try our NEW strawberry watermelon flavor! It’s safe and fun for the whole family. 8: how can hydroxyapatite toothpaste promote kids oral health?  There are so many ways that hydroxyapatite toothpaste can promote childrens oral health. There are several studies that prove hydroxyapatite is effective in reducing dental caries and tooth sensitivity, especially in children.  When hydroxyapatite is added into your kids oral care routine at a young age, its remineralizing powers can work to strengthen young teeth before any decay occurs. Hydroxyapatite already exists naturally in the human body. In fact, it makes up 90% of the tooth’s enamel. But over time, the body’s natural supply of hydroxyapatite can diminish, and the enamel can weaken. That’s why it’s so important to be sure to replenish the supply with daily brushing. When kids do this starting at a young age, they set themselves up for strong and healthy teeth that are equipped to withstand the tests of time....and all the bacteria that accumulate during that time. 9: what should my kids oral care routine include? First, we recommend reading our previous article, how to make your child’s brushing routine fun and effective. In that article, we outline a fun kids oral care routine that looks something like this. Grab a bamboo toothbrush and natural kids toothpaste. We recommend our NEW strawberry watermelon flavor for kids + adults. Add a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, but rest easy knowing your little one can safely swallow our natural toothpaste. Hold the bamboo toothbrush so that it’s more-or-less facing the gums. Gently move the toothbrush back and forth on each tooth using short+gentle strokes. Brush the tongue thoroughly to remove the film of bacteria. Teach them to floss. You should begin this once your child’s teeth begin to touch. In addition to these steps, it’s important to lead by example. Your kids are always watching you, so you’ll want to make sure you’re modeling healthy oral care habits too! 10: why is Davids the best toothpaste for toddlers, growing children, and even adults? There are so many reasons Davids is the best toothpaste for toddlers and beyond. We provide several fun kinds of natural toothpaste, all of which are free of chemicals, toxic ingredients, artificial ingredients, and unnecessary fillers. Every ingredient is there to promote your children's oral health. All of our flavors are safe, so you don’t have to worry about what happens when they get a hold of that toothpaste tube. We provide both enamel-strengthening sensitive nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste and fun fruity flavors like our NEW strawberry watermelon toothpaste. Our toothpaste is formulated with your (and your kiddo’s) holistic health in mind. This means we view oral health as a single component of overall health, and we chose our premium ingredients based on this ethos. See for yourself why Davids is the best natural toothpaste for the whole family. buy now.

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