The Five Mistakes Parents Make With Their Children’s Teeth

While most parents realize that brushing regularly, eating healthy foods and going to regular dental checkups are the best ways to prevent cavities, many parents aren’t making the grade when it comes to their own children’s teeth.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cavities are found in the baby teeth of 42 percent of children ages 2-11, while about 21 percent of children who are 6-11 are found to have cavities in their permanent teeth.
Here are the worst five mistakes that parents make when it comes to caring for their children’s teeth:
Not supervising as they brush their teeth. Most children don’t have the capability of effectively brushing their own teeth until they’re 8. Before then, parents need to supervise their brushing habits and make sure they’ve brushed every tooth’s surface.
Waiting too long for the first dental visit. The first dental visit should be either after your child’s first tooth comes in or by his or her first birthday. Many parents don’t bring their children in until they’re around 3 years old, and they often have to be given general anesthesia to treat cavities.
Allowing them to drink too many sports drinks and soda. Older children often experience tooth decay because they spend their days drinking acidic sports drinks and sodas. If your child can’t curb the habit, encourage him or her to agree to a limit each day and stick to that amount.
Not using fluoride toothpaste. While fluoride use is considered controversial, the American Dental Association and other experts concur that fluoride is one of the best ways to prevent cavities in children – and adults.
Not providing regular dental visits for children. Not everyone can afford dental insurance, but there are alternatives to dental insurance that can provide substantial dental discounts for the entire household. If dental problems are caught early enough, they are often less expensive and easier to treat.
For only $19.95 a month for your entire household, an AmeriPlan discount dental plan can help you save up to 80 percent on dental procedures, from annual exams to major dental work, including braces. AmeriPlan has nearly 30,000 dental providers within its network, including specialists. Discount dental plans can be used as often as needed throughout the year, and you can switch dentists at any time within the AmeriPlan network.
AmeriPlan Dental Plus also gives your family discounts on other services, including vision, prescription and chiropractic care.
If you’ve been putting off necessary dental appointments for you and your children.