Oral health for your child goes beyond simply brushing and flossing. Proper nutrition is essential to help prevent cavities. Your child’s diet that has a frequent intake of sodas, diet or regular, juices, milk, and energy drinks greatly increases the rate of tooth decay. Tea with sugar will not cause decay at a similar rate, because it is not acidic or basic enough to break down enamel. Offer them a diet that contains water, fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables, proteins, dairy and grains. Limit treats and junk food to once or twice a week.

The transition between "baby" teeth and the permanent teeth is not as difficult as teething, although your son or daughter may struggle in the eating department. If your child is having problems with either sore gums or an inability to bite into the food, offer softer food choices and try to cut hard food into bite-sized pieces, to be chewed with the molars, or back teeth.

A Visit to Today’s Dentistry

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should be seen by a dentist when their first tooth appears. Today’s Dentistry staff love to see children in the office and will often offer a "friendly" visit for first-time patients. Children are shown around the office and get to know the dental instruments, have a ride in the dental chair and, if ready, a cleaning and check-up.