Preventive dental care is important throughout life, especially at a young age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with a dentist, your child can keep their smile bright and healthy for many years to come. Here are a few simple ways to prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities:
- Brush two times a day for two minutes!
- Brush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste once your child's first tooth erupts into the mouth. Once your child can spit, you can use a pea-sized drop of fluoride toothpaste.
- Tooth brushing should be parent-led until a child can tie his or her own shoelaces independently. Once a child can do this, she has the manual dexterity to brush independently of her parents. Parents should still check-in before bedtime to make sure each tooth looks clean and happy!
- Once the spaces between your child's teeth have closed, begin flossing at night time.
- Choosing mouth-healthy food and beverages is key! The primary beverage should be plain water, with milk served only at mealtimes. Sugar-sweetened beverages like juice, sports/energy drinks, and soda are not healthy for our bodies or our mouths. When your child needs a snack, shop from the refrigerator instead of the pantry by choosing raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit.
- Ask your dentist about dental sealants, a protective coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.
- If your child plays sports, be sure to ask your dentist about a mouthguard designed to protect your child’s smile.
If it’s been six months or more since your child’s last dental checkup, then it’s time to contact our practice and schedule an appointment!