Children’s Dental Care at Lawson Family Dentistry
It’s the second week of February, which means that we are already in the midst of National Children’s Dental Health Month. As a family and preventive dentist, Dr. Jessica Lawson makes the health of your child’s smile a priority all year round, but today, in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, she’d like to focus on the specifics of children’s dental care.
As a parent, your concern for your child’s health starts before you give birth. As an expectant mother, you receive proper prenatal care, eat healthily, and take every precaution to ensure that your unborn child is born as healthy and happy as possible. Once your baby is born, you try to give your child the proper nutrition, keep up with doctor’s appointments, and do a million other things to make sure that he or she is off to a great start.
Many parents, however, don’t start thinking about their child’s dental health until he or she has a full set of baby teeth. Dr. Lawson urges you to bring your child in for his or her first dental appointmentsoon after his or her first birthday. Even if your baby doesn’t have teeth yet, it’s never too early to start educating your child about the importance of healthy teeth and gums and proper dental hygiene, along with teaching them that the dentist’s office is a fun, friendly place.
At this initial dental appointment, Dr. Lawson will check your child’s mouth to make sure all is normal with his or her growth and development. She will also give you some advice about cleaning your child’s gums and—if they are present—teeth.
As your child’s teeth begin to come in, Dr. Lawson will ask that you and your child start visiting our Urbandale dentist office bi-annually for dental appointments. Getting into the habit of going to the dentist regularly, as well as practicing thorough dental hygiene at home, will not only show your child the importance of healthy teeth and gums and professional dental care, but will also set the stage for lifelong dental health.
Teaching Your Child Proper Dental Habits at Home
As your child grows, so will the challenges surrounding his or her dental health. To maintain the health of your child’s smile, promote proper dental hygiene habits and limit his or her intake of sugar and other dental disaster foods as much as possible.
To promote proper dental hygiene habits, make brushing and flossing a family activity. Show your child how fun it can be to brush and floss, and don’t be afraid to brush your child’s teeth and gums yourself until he or she has mastered the art of brushing and flossing. Additionally, reward good dental hygiene habits with a non-sugary treat, such as an afternoon at the park or allowing your child to watch a favorite movie.
Just like dental hygiene habits, eating habits start early. By feeding your child nutritious and non-sugary or acid-loaded foods, you’re setting the stage for lifelong healthy eating, as well as lifelong dental—and bodily—health. Between eating healthy, proper dental hygiene, and professional dental care, your child will be on his or her way to a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Welcome to the World, Baby Lawson!
Like all of you, Dr. Lawson has young children to care for and her children’s dental health to worry about. Recently, she has been caring for a brand new addition to her family. Dr. Lawson, her husband Bryan, and big brothers Blake and Gabe welcomed Luke John Lawson into the world on January 23. Mom and Baby are doing great!
To reserve an appointment for you and your little one, call Lawson Family Dentistry, serving the communities of Waukee, Grimes, Johnston, and the surrounding areas, at (515) 278-4366.
