Oral Hygiene Tips for Children (Ages 7–9)
As we grow and change, so does our oral health. Our Hudsonville family dentist wants to remind parents that children will need different oral hygiene habits and dental treatments as they move through the various stages of their lives. That’s why we’re focusing on oral health advice for different age groups in our Oral Hygiene Tips blog series.
In our last post, we discussed how you can help infants and preschoolers (ages 0–6) maintain a healthy smile. Now, here are oral hygiene tips for kids between the ages of 7 and 9.
Are Dental Sealants Important for Children?
You may have heard of twelve-year molars, but did you know that your first permanent molars actually erupt between the ages of 6 and 7? Although you’re still just a child, these six-year molars are permanent. That means it’s important to take care of these teeth in particular since they’ll need to last your entire life.
If your child’s permanent molars have begun to erupt, our local children’s dentist can recommend the application of dental sealants to protect them. Dental sealants are thin protective coatings painted onto the chewing surface of your child’s molars. They cover the deep grooves and divots in your child’s back teeth, preventing food particles from sticking and plaque from developing.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth sealants for kids can protect against up to 80% of cavities. Studies have shown that children without sealants have nearly three times more cavities in their six-year molars than children with sealants so this form of preventive dental care is well worth the small investment. Moreover, most dental insurance plans will cover the cost of sealants for young children.
How Sugar Affects Your Child’s Oral Health
It’s never too early to teach your child that sugary foods and drinks lead to cavities. Let’s take a quick look at how the process actually works:
- Your child eats food that is high in sugar and other carbohydrates.
- These sugars form a film on your child’s teeth known as plaque.
- Certain bacteria in your child’s mouth consume the plaque and produce acid as a result.
- This acid will weaken your child’s tooth enamel.
- Weakened tooth enamel makes it easier for food particles and other bacteria to enter the tooth and create a cavity.
Although your child may love sugary snacks and soft drinks, it’s important to teach them at a young age how too much sugar can result in problems with both their oral health and their overall health. Consider setting rules in your house so your child can only have their favorite sugary snacks on special occasions or at least in moderation.
Meal & Snack Inspiration → 5 Vitamins & Minerals for Strong Teeth
Remember, brushing and flossing are wonderfully effective cavity prevention habits. Make sure your child understands that brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing daily can help them avoid cavities, even if they do enjoy a sugary treat every once in a while.
Committing to Regular Teeth Cleanings
It’s important to get in the habit of taking your child to see the dentist every 6 months. That way, we can monitor the development of their teeth and respond to any problems before they develop into dental emergencies. Our dental hygienists can also clean your child’s teeth professionally, removing any plaque or tartar buildup so they don’t develop cavities.
Additionally, around this age, you’ll typically want to schedule your child’s first orthodontic visit. Because your child already has their six-year molars, an orthodontist will be able to evaluate how your child’s permanent teeth are coming in and determine if your child may need braces.
When Should Kids Be Evaluated for Braces?
As alluded to above, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children undergo an early orthodontic evaluation around the time they turn 7 years old. At this age, your child will have a mixture of baby and permanent teeth so an orthodontist can see how they are all coming in and if any orthodontic problems are forming.
Now, if your child is older than 7 and has not yet been evaluated, it’s perfectly normal. While that age is a starting point for early intervention, children can still go in for a check-up if they are 8 or above. However, if more serious dental problems exist, it is best to have an orthodontist take a closer look sooner than later.
Signs that your child may benefit from orthodontics include:
- Premature loss of baby teeth
- Late loss of baby teeth
- Crowded or misplaced teeth
- Difficulty chewing, biting, or speaking
- Excessive grinding or clenching of the teeth
- A present crossbite, underbite, overbite, or open bite (where the top and bottom teeth don’t meet)
Our dentist can inform you of arising issues regarding your child’s oral health and offer necessary recommendations. Treatable problems are always better corrected while your child is younger so keep this in mind when considering whether to seek out an orthodontist.
Schedule a Dental Visit for Your Child Today
Your child’s oral health needs are starting to change. Our children’s dentist in Hudsonville, MI, can help you keep their smile on the right track. Call Hudsonville Dental Kids today at (616) 209-4039, or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.
