Dental Health

As a parent, you are the most powerful influence on your child’s dental health. Here are some ways to ensure that your child’s smile stays healthy and beautiful.

Brushing
Good oral hygiene significantly reduces your child’s risk of developing cavities. Brushing helps remove the food sources that feed the bacteria that cause cavities. It is important to gently brush all tooth surfaces [and gums] for 2-3 minutes, using a circular motion and holding the brush so the bristles are at a 45 degree angle toward the gumline. To make sure they do a good job, help your child brush until they are at least six years old. Brush your child’s teeth after each meal or at least twice a day, especially at bedtime.

Flossing
Flossing every day is also important in preventing cavities, because floss reaches between teeth where a toothbrush cannot go. It’s time to start flossing your child’s teeth once any two of them touch each other. Most children are ready to begin flossing on their own at about the age of seven. We can help demonstrate proper flossing techniques.

Eating Right
Bacteria thrive on sugars and carbohydrates, which provide the energy bacteria need to grow, reproduce, and create the enamel- eating acid that causes cavities. Foods that tend to stick to teeth (peanut butter, caramel, chips and crackers) provide long-lasting food sources for cavity-causing bacteria.
Encourage your child to choose snacks that promote a
healthy smile, such as:
fruit slices
vegetable sticks
string cheese
yogurt

Fluoride
Fluoride is nature's cavity fighter. Like any natural nutrient, it is safe and effective when used properly. Flouride incorporates itself into tooth enamel and strengthens it, making it more resistant to cavities.

There are two methods that protect teeth with fluoride:
Topical: toothpastes, mouth rinses, and professionally applied fluoride therapies are examples of topical fluoride. Topical fluoride strengthens and protects teeth that have already erupted.
Systematic: fluoridated drinking water and fluoride supplements [tablets, liquid, or lozenges] are examples of systematic flouride. Systematic fluoride protects tooth structures as they are forming.

Regular Check-Ups
Visit your pediatric dentist every six months for regular checkups. Regular check-ups allow us to detect and solve little problems before they become big problems.

For more information please visit these web sites.
The American Dental Association
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry