October is National Dental Hygiene Awareness Month, and I’d like to take this time to further emphasize the importance of implementing positive oral health routines. Maintaining good oral hygiene isn’t something that happens naturally – it’s something that needs to be instilled early on in life. This is best started when the first tooth that breaks through those tiny gums. Parents should be showing their children how to brush, floss, and keep their teeth clean. Furthermore, it is highly recommended that they visit a dentist by their first birthday. This is to check for any abnormal tooth growth and ensure that the teeth and gums are healthy.
A little trivia for you: Sharing utensils or kissing babies on the mouth may spread bacteria that cause cavities. This is something that most, if any, parents ever think about. It is very natural for a mother or father to share his/her food with a child using the same spoon or fork. However, once that same utensil has been in the parent’s mouth, bacteria clings to the utensil and can then be transferred to the child’s mouth. Even blowing on the child’s food can spread the bacteria it. In order to help prevent the spread of bacteria to the child’s gums and teeth, be sure to keep his/her food separate from everyone else’s.
If you have any questions regarding your child’s oral health or your own, please be sure to schedule an appointment at my practice near Los Angeles. As a cosmetic dentist dedicated to helping patient maintain excellent oral hygiene, I look forward to answering your questions and creating a personalized treatment plan for your specific needs.