Our kids dentist in Brighton is committed to helping families get access to early preventative dental care. When your child grows up with access to regular checkups and good oral hygiene, they’ll be more likely to enjoy a healthy smile for the rest of their life. Our Brighton kids dentist can help equip your family with the information and tips you need to minimize cavities, tooth loss, and preventable emergencies. Here are just a few ways to get started:
Encourage Children to Hydrate with Water
Water is a natural cleanser and is completely sugar-free. Whereas juices and sports drinks can be bad for teeth and increase the risk of cavities. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluoridated tap water (bottled water may not have regulated fluoride levels). To make it more fun, consider getting some reusable or personalized water bottles for everyone in the family.
Floss…Every Day!
As your child grows and develops, you will notice that the teeth tend to get closer and closer together. It’s normal for them to have some space between baby teeth, but not their permanent ones. Help your child floss between every tooth, every day, especially until they’re old enough to have the dexterity to tie their own shoes.
If There’s a Cavity, Treat it ASAP
Children’s teeth can spread decay extremely quickly, as they’re less dense than permanent adult teeth. A small cavity could become an abscessed tooth in months. It is best to treat problems when they are smaller and more comfortable.
A family or pediatric dentist in Brighton can place a small filling inside of the decayed area, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Plan a Checkup Twice Per Year
No matter how young your child is, Kids City Dental recommends that they visit a family or pediatric dentist at least once every six months. Our children’s dentist in Brighton will work closely alongside your family to provide the necessary resources, preventative services, and therapeutic care as needed. To ensure that your child has a healthy smile for life, it’s important to access pediatric dentistry near you shortly after your child’s first tooth erupts.
Wear the Right Protective Equipment
Are your children involved in any kind of athletic activity? Such as soccer, baseball, football, or any sport where their mouth could get injured? A sports mouthguard will significantly decrease the chances of your child breaking or knocking out teeth, as well as suffering from a concussion.
Screen for Orthodontic Needs by Age 7
Kids City Dental recommends screening for any bite problems or orthodontic concerns no later than age 7. At this point in your child’s development, we’ll have a good idea of the direction of your child’s tooth and bone growth, making it is easier to identify and correct any problems. Braces and growth modification encourage healthy tooth alignment before the permanent teeth erupt completely into place.
Set a Timer When Brushing
Always make sure your child brushes their teeth at least two minutes, two times each day. To make brushing more enjoyable and encourage proper brushing time, set a timer or play a song. Many of today’s electric brushes have built-in timers.
Use Fluoridated Toothpaste
Dosage is important with any vitamin and mineral supplement. Fluoride, like calcium, is crucial for the development of teeth and minimizing cavities. The ADA recommends that young children use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a rice grain. Once they’re old enough to rinse well, they can increase the amount to a pea-sized amount.
Early Pediatric Dental Visits
The best pediatric dental tip is to schedule your child’s first dental checkup as soon as their first tooth comes in or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. These early visits allow your child’s dentist to detect potential health or developmental issues earlier when they’re easier to address. Positive and comfortable dental encounters at a young age will help minimize the risk of dental anxiety as your child gets older.
Is Your Child Due for a Checkup?
Looking for a pediatric dentist in Brighton? The general dentists at Kids City Dental focus specifically on children’s oral health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.