Reviewing the Importance of Kids Dental Care at Home
As soon as your child’s first tooth comes in, you need to begin developing an oral hygiene routine. Even though your child will eventually lose his or her baby teeth, they are still susceptible to dental cavities, infection, and other oral health complications. Here’s a look at the most important elements of a good at-home dental care routine for kids in Douglasville, GA from West Georgia Family Dental.
Tooth Brushing & Flossing
Daily brushing and flossing removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the surface of and in between the teeth. You should use a soft, child-size toothbrush from the age of one or two years old. Use water to brush your child’s teeth twice per day until your child is old enough to spit out toothpaste. Then switch to toothpaste with fluoride. Assist your child with brushing and flossing at least until they are seven or eight years old.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride reduces the risk of cavities and improves the strength of tooth enamel. Most drinking water is treated with fluoride, but if your child doesn’t drink tap water, they will not have exposure to fluoride. They can get fluoride treatment at the dentist, as well as through toothpaste and mouthwash.
Dental Sealants
A dental sealant for kids is a thin, plastic coating that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This can reduce the risk of dental cavities, but it is not a permanent or complete solution. Your child still needs to brush and floss daily and maintain a good dental hygiene routine.
Watching for Dental Cavities
Dental cavities are holes that form in the teeth due to bacteria buildup. These bacteria eat away at the teeth. Check your child’s teeth for dental cavities if they indicate they are experiencing tooth or jaw pain, are having trouble chewing or eating, or have not been maintaining a daily dental hygiene routine. Look for white or brown spots on the teeth or visible holes or degradation of the teeth.
Knowing When to Visit the Dentist
Your child should have their first visit to a family dentist by their first birthday. This gets your child used to visiting the dentist so it isn't as scary as they age. It will also offer early warning or detection of oral and dental health issues, and offer you support in maintaining your child’s oral health.
Visit Our Family Dentist in Douglasville, GA
As soon as your child turns one or their first tooth comes in, you should schedule a visit with our family dentist in Douglasville, GA. At West Georgia Family Dentistry, we specialize in family dentistry, including teeth cleaning, dental x-rays, oral exams, fluoride treatment, and cavity prevention for patients of all ages. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
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