Your child's pediatric dentist is going to see them a lot in the early part of their lives. According to Indeed, your child may have their first appointment at around six months of age and then have regular visits up until they start seeing an adult dentist once they're 18 years old. It's important for you to help your child maintain good brushing and flossing habits in between visits - and that's just one of the things a pediatric dentist wants to tell you. Here are several others.

Sugary Drinks Can Only Be Enjoyed on Special Occasions

Once your child has a sugary drink for the first time, it might seem like the finest nectar to them. You don't want it to become a habit, because the sugar can keep attacking their teeth for a long time after each swallow. That can result in a lot of visits to a pediatric dentist to take care of cavities. Limit sugary drinks to occasions like birthday parties. You can have them drink water afterward to wash out the sugar.

Babies Can't Drink Anything But Water Before Bed

Your baby might want to drink milk before bed or even fall asleep drinking it. That can cause issues with their teeth since it'll leave their teeth coated in milk. If they fall asleep, you're going to have to brush their teeth again. Keep them from drinking anything but water at night to help their teeth stay in good shape.

Leaving Baby Teeth Untreated Can Cause Issues

You might think that since your child's baby teeth are going to fall out anyway, it doesn't matter if they get cavities. A pediatric dentist will tell you otherwise. Just like adults, children can get gum infections that will allow bacteria into the bloodstream and possibly cause other health issues. Always monitor your child's teeth.

These are just a few of the things these dental professionals would love to tell you. Your goal should be to protect your child's teeth and gums. That will ensure that they'll have a great smile for many more years. Are you looking for a dentist? We do general dentistry, along with services like crowns, sealants, teeth extractions, and digital X-rays. Our staff is very experienced, and we take both Georgia and Tennessee state insurance. Contact Chew Chew Dentistry today if you have any questions.