4 Important Steps to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy

4 Important Steps to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy

March 10, 2016 / in pediatric teeth cleaning / by FWCD-Admin
Dental Care

The proper attention to your child’s oral health is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children that will last for their lifetime. Many parents are not aware that a child should experience their first dental visit at the age of twelve months. This appointment provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about pediatric teeth cleaning as well as an initial examination.

Over time your child will acclimate to the sounds and smells of the dental office making its environment feel safe and reassuring. If the child’s initial visit is due to a dental problem, fear and discomfort might be the predominant feeling experienced making subsequent dental visits very traumatic.

This first appointment should be followed up with regular dental visits to your children’s dentist to assure optimum care. And while these visits are important, what you do daily for your child can have long term consequences.

Brushing – Caring for baby teeth is important as they pave the way for the permanent teeth that are intended to last for a lifetime. A soft bristle tooth brush and an age appropriate tooth paste are the tools you should use coupled with your assistance until your child is coordinated enough to thoroughly brush on their own. Do not be misled into believing the pediatric teeth cleaning your child receives from the dentist is sufficient for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Flossing – Once your child’s teeth have erupted so they are almost touching, flossing should commence in earnest. Gently massaging your child’s gums with floss will promote good dental health.

Fluoride – This nutrient is found in tap water, but since many children drink bottled water or alternative beverages, your dentist can provide fluoride treatments as needed. Fluoride is essential to decay prevention so these treatments as well as using fluoridated tooth pastes and/or rinses are key components to dental health.

Sealants – As permanent teeth erupt, your children’s dentist may recommend protecting those new chewing surfaces with a dental sealant. A sealant is applied to the top surfaces of molar teeth. The microscopic pits on the teeth will be filled in sealing out the bacteria that can lead to cavities.

As your child ages, the dentist will render the appropriate treatment that will provide the best opportunity to maintain a beautiful smile and a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

To schedule an appointment for your child, call Fort Worth Children’s Dentistry today!