Many parents are unaware of the steps they need to take to ensure their children's teeth and gums stay healthy. Positive oral care routines can sometimes fall by the wayside in busy households.
Preventive dental care helps children improve their oral health for a lifetime. This blog provides a list of 11 tips that can help you protect your child's smile starting in infancy.
1. Begin Home Oral Care Right Away
Caring for your child's smile can begin as soon as you bring them home from the hospital. Gently wipe your child's gums twice daily with a moistened baby washcloth. This simple step will accustom your child to oral care from the earliest weeks and remove harmful plaque.
2. Start Dental Visits Early
Ideally, your child's first dental visit should happen by their first birthday or no more than six months after the first tooth appears. Early dental visits focus on helping your child feel comfortable with their practitioner and creating positive associations. Your child's pediatric dentist will also want to check the child's oral health and development.
3. Brush Twice Daily With Fluoride Toothpaste
Starting when babies have their first tooth, parents should use children's fluoride toothpaste on an extra-soft baby toothbrush. Researchers find that fluoride's benefits for babies and toddlers outweigh the small risks. Use a tiny smear of toothpaste to begin with.
4. Floss Your Child's Teeth
You can begin flossing your child's teeth as soon as they start to touch each other. A pre-threaded floss pick may be easier to maneuver in a tiny mouth than standard floss.
5. Model Good Oral Care Technique
Let your children watch your oral care routine and make it a natural part of every day. Children want to imitate their parents from a young age, and if they see you brushing and flossing daily, they will want to follow you.
6. Brush and Floss For Your Child
Children will need help brushing and flossing their teeth correctly until they are at least six to nine years old. Allow your child to practice and teach proper technique, then assist them.
7. Manage Dental Anxiety
If you feel anxious about dental visits, avoid communicating this to your child. If your child knows that you are uncomfortable at the dentist, they will be as well. Model a positive attitude toward dental care for best results.
Some children feel uneasy about the dentist. Role-playing with toys, watching videos, and reading books about the dentist can help ease their minds. If your child feels uncomfortable, let their dentist know, and they can adapt their care to reassure them.
8. Maintain a Schedule of Dental Visits Every Six Months
Starting with the first infant visit, bring your child to the pediatric dentist twice yearly. Your dentist may need you to schedule more frequent visits if your child is prone to decay or other oral health issues.
9. Ensure Your Child Receives Dental Sealants
Most pediatric dentists offer sealants to children with emerging permanent teeth. Dental sealants are a safe resin substance that fills the deep ridges of the permanent molars. Sealants can cut the risk of cavities in the permanent molars.
10. Maintain An Annual X-Ray Schedule
Starting around age five to six, your child's pediatric dentist will want to take X-rays of their developing teeth once per year. X-rays help detect hidden decay and assess orthodontic issues years before treatment starts.
11. Fill All Cavities Promptly
If your child has tooth decay, ensure that your dentist addresses it right away. Baby teeth do fall out, but if they suffer decay, it can negatively impact your child's oral health for years to come.
Protecting Your Child's Oral Health
Maintaining a healthy smile takes effort, but the payoff can last your child a lifetime in lower dental costs and complex procedures. If you have any questions or concerns about children's preventive care, please relay them to our office. We can help you determine the best treatment routines for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive Dental Care for Children
Why is fluoride essential for kids?
Fluoride is a safe, natural substance that hardens tooth enamel. Children who use fluoride toothpaste and drink fluoridated tap water have significantly lower rates of tooth decay.
When should my child see an orthodontist?
We recommend orthodontic checkups by age seven to check for any emerging issues. Our office provides orthodontic care as well as pediatric dentistry.
Our team at Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry emphasizes the vital importance of preventive care. We are glad to welcome new patients at any age. Don't hesitate to contact us today to schedule your child's preventive care appointment with Dr. Hannawi-Tadros. We can help protect your child's smile for a lifetime.