With February being National Children’s Dental Health Month, it is important for us to educate our littlest patients and their caregivers not only on the importance of oral health, but general health. By maintaining a healthy diet, utilizing preventative care, and practicing good oral hygiene, your child’s pearly whites will sparkle and stay strong!
Healthy Diet:
-Be sure children eat a well balanced diet; a balanced diet should naturally supply all the nutrients your child needs to grow.
-Restrict foods with sugar or starch to mealtimes.
-Limit the number of snack times; choose nutritious snacks like carrots, nuts, and cheese.
-Limit acidic and sugary beverages; replace with water and infuse it with cut up fruit.
-Never put your young child to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice.
-Save sugary foods for “special occasions”.
Preventative Care:
-Maintain routine dental appointments, at least twice a year.
-Children should be seen by a dentist as soon as his/her first tooth erupts, but no later than the second birthday.
-Assure proper fluoride intake through drinking water, fluoride products or fluoride supplements.
-Apply sealants when appropriate (typically ages 6 and 12).
Brushing and Flossing:
-Assist your child in brushing twice daily. Have them listen to their favorite song and brush their teeth until the end!
-Floss once daily.
-Use only a small amount of toothpaste (about the size of a pea); teach your child to spit out the toothpaste and to rinse well after brushing.
-Replace your child’s toothbrush every 3 months (or after a cold or illness).
Oral Hygiene Care for Ages:
0-6 Months
Run a damp washcloth or gauze over your baby's gums following feedings to prevent buildup of damaging bacteria.
6 Months – 2 Years
As your child's teeth begin to erupt, brush them gently with a small, soft toothbrush and water.
Begin using floss or an inter-dental cleaner as soon as any two of your child’s teeth touch.
2 Years – 6 Years
After the age of two, begin to brush your child’s teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Be sure they spit out the toothpaste and rinse with water.
6 – 8 Years
Brush your child’s teeth twice daily until your child has the skill to handle the toothbrush alone. Then continue to closely watch brushing to make sure your child is doing a thorough job and using only a small amount of toothpaste. Using disclosing solutions/rinses may aid as an education tool for proper plaque removal.
8 – 10 Years
Continue to monitor your child’s brushing and flossing habits. Encourage them to brush their tongue and introduce fluoride rinses as directed by your dentist. If you have any questions or would like to schedule your child's first visit, please call us at 414-425-7050.