As Pediatric Dentists, we get asked a lot of questions about caring for children’s teeth. When kids lose their baby teeth and they are replaced with adult teeth, how can you step in and make sure your kids are taking good care of those teeth? Here are some tips we find help to prevent problematic oral health issues for newly erupted adult teeth in children.
Tip # 1: Make Cleaning a Priority
Kids thrive when things are fun. We find that kids enjoy brushing their teeth when it’s a game. One thing we encourage parents to do is to try and help their kids brush their teeth by brushing their teeth at the same time. When parents and kids brush together, the kids won’t feel like it’s always such a chore to brush teeth. Some parents will use timers to help kids brush their teeth while others even play songs when they are brushing teeth as it helps to ensure kids will brush for at least two minutes.
Tip # 2: Use Toothpaste with Fluoride
Toothpaste must contain fluoride for proper cleaning and to protect the teeth from damage. Fluoride will strengthen the enamel of the teeth to keep the teeth strong when bacteria tries to penetrate it, causing cavities.
Tip # 3: Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Another thing we run into is parents trying to help kids scrub their teeth by using a hard-to-medium bristled toothbrush. The problem is these toothbrushes are often too abrasive on the enamel, stripping it from the teeth. Kids can vigorously brush, which also strips enamel and can lead to gum recession. Soft-bristled toothbrushes are not as hard on the teeth and gums, helping to gently clean and remove bacteria and plaque.
Tip # 4: Healthy Eating
Avoid soda, and foods that are highly acidic. Foods of this nature increase the likelihood of dental problems including cavities. Cavities start to form when sugar-containing foods are left in the mouth for too long. Schedule times for eating to give the saliva in the mouth adequate time to wash away sugars and carbohydrates leading to cavities.
Tip # 5: Regular Dental Cleanings and Examinations
We recommend coming to our Ogden pediatric dental office every six months for routine cleanings and examinations. We will provide fluoride treatments to ensure the teeth are strong and protected. For some children, we will recommend dental sealants on the molars that need to have additional protection from bacteria.
For more information, contact Mountain View Pediatric Dentistry today! We are here to help your kids have the healthiest smiles in the neighborhood, call our Ogden dental office today, 801.737.5437 or our Farmington dental office 801.447.5437.