Author: Splash Creative

February is Children’s Dental Health Month and something to always remember when it comes to your child’s health is that their oral health is important for their overall health. Your child’s dental health begins when they get their first tooth, which typically occurs when they’re between 4 and 7 months old. Once you see their first tooth erupts, you’ll want to start tooth brushing by using a soft-bristled brush that’s specifically designed for babies. Make sure to only use a small smear of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) until they reach age 3. It is also recommended to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, a natural mineral which strengthens the enamel and helps prevent tooth decay. 

 

After your child reaches the age of 3, you can start to use a pea-sized amount of fluoride-containing toothpaste. And when your child is able to brush their own teeth, they can begin to use a normal amount. This is usually when they’re about 5 or 6 years old. At this point, you’ll want to make sure that your child is taught the proper techniques of tooth brushing and good oral hygiene practices. Encourage them to brush their teeth twice a day for 2 minutes during each session. Children should brush their teeth thoroughly from top to bottom and inside and out. You might also want to consider using music or a counting game that lasts 2 minutes to make the cleaning routine more fun and easier to stick to. Keep in mind that the back molars are the most common teeth to get cavities so remind your child to brush all the way back into their mouth to reach those areas. It’s recommended for families to supervise children when they’re cleaning their teeth until they’re about 10 years old. 

 

In addition to brushing the teeth, it’s also essential that your child flosses every day. Flossing removes plaque and food in between teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. Without flossing, the plaque remains and can harden into tartar, leading to gum disease. For older children with braces or fixed retainers, they will need special types of floss products that are designed to get in between or around braces and retainers. 

 

Rinsing with mouthwash can help maintain your child’s dental health. However, it is not safe to use mouthwash until the child is 6 or 7 years old. Younger children may accidentally swallow it. Before your child starts using mouthwash, teach them how to rinse properly and warn them that mouthwash is never safe to swallow. It’s also best to buy mouthwash that is alcohol-free.  

 

Good oral hygiene practices are very crucial to protecting your children’s teeth. But diet is another key contributing factor for children’s dental health. Added sugar in candies, sweets, syrups, and sugary beverages can cause bacteria on your child’s teeth to grow and can lead to tooth decay. You’ll want to limit their consumption of added sugar and have them brush their teeth soon after consuming any of these items. The longer the residue stays in their mouth, the more damage it can cause. It is also important that your child maintains a well-balanced diet with plenty of calcium and Vitamin D, both of which are necessary to build strong teeth. 

 

When your child comes in for a well-check visit, we will always check in on their teeth and gums to make sure they’re healthy. It is also important that your child keeps up with regular dental visits for routine cleaning and checkups. Having your child’s teeth monitored helps ensure that any potential problems like cavities are addressed early before they can worsen. Children should start visiting the dentist by age one. 

 

Instilling good dental habits in your children can foster long-term dental health success so that your child’s teeth can develop strong and healthy. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s oral health, please contact our office.  

Puberty is the stage of life when your child’s body starts going through physical changes as it becomes sexually mature and capable of reproduction. For most girls, this is typically between the ages 8 and 13. The earliest sign you might see is the development of breast “buds,” which are tiny bumps under the nipple. Your child might start growing body hair as well, including pubic hair. Menstruation also begins about 2 or 3 years after the start of puberty. The average age in America for when girls get their first period is 12. As a parent, it’s important to talk to your child about the new changes they experience and to prepare them in advance. It’s likely your child will have questions and knowing how to answer common questions will make having these conversations easier.

 

Breast development can make young girls anxious, especially since usually one breast starts developing before the other, causing the sizes of the breasts to be different. Let your daughter know that this is completely normal to ease any potential fears. You may also want to help them find new clothes and a training bra that disguises their breast development if it will make her feel more comfortable and less self-conscious. 

 

As your daughter starts growing body hair, she might show an interest in shaving and removing the hair. Keep in mind that this is a personal preference your child might have and it is not medically necessary. But if your child chooses to shave, it’s important to teach them how to do so safely. Without following precautions, shaving can cause cuts, razor burns, and irritation, leading to the risk of skin infection. Advise your daughter to always wet their skin first and apply lotion or gel. They should only apply light pressure when shaving and replace the razor or blade often. Razors should never be shared as that can cause an infection. There are electric shavers designed for girls that could be used as safer alternatives to traditional razors. 

 

As girls approach their first period, they may experience vaginal discharge which is usually clear or white. This can occur 6 months to a year before menstruation begins and is a response to the increase of estrogen happening in the body. Let your daughter know that this is normal. She might have questions about periods and you’ll want to make her feel comfortable to talk about it. It’s especially helpful to let your daughter know what to expect before they get their period. Talk to them about using menstrual products like pads and tampons and good hygiene practices, such as changing the pad or tampon often. If your child expresses concern about menstrual cramps and discomfort, let them know about home remedies that can help such as using a hot water bottle or heating pad, as well as taking an over-the-counter painkiller. 

 

Puberty brings about new changes for children as they make the transition into adulthood. And those changes can bring about uncertainty, confusion, and anxiety. By engaging in conversations with your child about puberty, you can make the navigation during this life stage easier for them. If you have any concerns about your child’s development or if you notice signs of early puberty (before age 8), call our office to talk to our pediatrician.

 

 

It’s winter and keeping your child safe is important during the cold season. Dressing your child with thick puffy coats may keep your child warm, but it can be unsafe if worn in a car seat. Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 12 years in the US, but car or booster seats can provide protection. It’s important to use the right car seat correctly whenever your child is in the car. 

 

In order for car and booster seats to function properly, your child needs to remain tightly strapped, with the straps against the child’s chest. Snowsuits and puffy coats may loosen the way your child fits into the car or booster seat, making your child more susceptible to slipping out during an accident. They will be more likely to hit hard parts of the car, like the front seat, window, or door, which may cause significant injury. This is why it is extremely important that the car seat’s strap and belt stays close to the child’s body at all times. If your child is wearing a thick winter coat, you will end up tightening the straps to the size of the coat, not the size of your child. In case of an accident, this can cause the coat to compress and create space between your child and the belt. As a result, your child might slip out. 

 

The following is a safe car seat product list for different age groups provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). It is important to note weight restrictions:

 

• Infants/Toddlers: Rear-facing car seats used until at least one year of age and weight is 22 lb (10 kg). 
• Toddlers/Preschoolers: Front-facing car seats used until weight is 40-65 lb (18-30 kg). 
• School-aged children: Booster seats used when children are at least 40 lb (18 kg). 
• Older children: Seat belts should be used when your child is at least 80 lb (36 kg) and 145 cm (4 feet and 9 inches) tall. All children younger than 13 years of age should ride in the back seat.

 

Always keep a copy of the car seat manufacturer’s instructions in your car and follow them carefully. Make sure the car seat is right for your child’s weight and height. It’s recommended to place the car seat in the middle of the back seat. After installation, the car seat should move no more than an inch in forward or side to side.

 

While protecting your child’s safety inside a car is crucial, keeping your child warm is also important. There are different ways you can keep your child warm without having them wear a thick winter coat while in their car seat. Below are some recommendations:

 

• Store the carrier portion of the car seat inside the house at room temperature when not in use.
• When ready to travel, make sure the car seat is ready before bringing your child out into the cold. You can bring your child out in a winter coat but remove the coat when placing them in the car seat. Hats, mittens, socks, and boots can stay on, as these do not interfere with car seat safety. It’s best to dress your child in thin, but insulated layers, so the child stays warm but the clothes do not impact the safety of the car seat.
• Warming up your vehicle with the car heating system before placing the child in the car seat will prevent your child from feeling cold. Placing a blanket over the child after they are strapped in the car seat may also be beneficial in keeping your child warm throughout the trip.

 

Regardless of the weather, parents should never leave their child alone in the car at any time. If you have any questions about your car seat and how to properly use it safely, contact our office.