Parents generally want what’s good for their children. What they can provide, they most certainly will. Chief among them is an environment that guarantees their health. However, when it comes to their teeth, it’s sad to note that dental problems are highly prevalent among them. Telling them to “go brush your teeth” isn’t enough. Let me give you a guide provided by a pediatric dentist that Coral Springs is lucky to have.
1. When to Start Dental Care
Start dental care for your infant even before the first tooth appears. After feedings, wipe your baby’s gums with a damp cloth to remove bacteria and sugar. As soon as the first tooth erupts, switch to a soft-bristled infant toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. Book their first visit to the dentist by the time they’re a year old. This early start establishes healthy habits.
2. Teaching Proper Brushing and Flossing
Make brushing fun with a sense of importance. When two teeth touch, usually at age 2-3, introduce flossing. Teach your child to brush gently in small circles over every tooth for two full minutes. Floss picks make flossing easier for kids. Supervise him, her, or them until they’re 7 or 8. Parents should lead by example.
3. Choosing the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste
For infants and toddlers, apply a rice-sized smear of toothpaste on a soft-bristled brush with a small head and large handle. At age 3-6, use a kiddie toothbrush with pea-sized toothpaste. It must be fluoride toothpaste, as it strengthens enamel and prevents cavities. Avoid the whitening variety. Let the child pick the color or character of their toothbrush, as this motivates them to brush.
4. Nutrition Tips for Healthy Teeth
A family dental clinic in Florida, in Coral Springs, advises limiting sugary snacks, candies, and sweetened drinks, as they feed cavity-causing bacteria. Instead, they should go for crunchy fruits and vegetables, cheese, yogurt, and nuts that counter acids and fortify enamel. Remind your kids about food that can ruin their smile.
5. Common Dental Problems
Cavities are the most common childhood dental problem. Prevent them by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and limiting sweets. Beyond age 4, encourage a child to stop thumb sucking because this misaligns teeth. If your child has a toothache or you see a cavity, visit the dentist right away. With supervision, dental problems are preventable.
6. Encouraging Regular Dental Checkups
Schedule visits to the dentist every six months starting at age 1. This lets the dentist monitor growth, catch cavities early, and remove plaque buildup. Make the trips positive and routine. Don’t just go when there’s an issue to be worked on. Consistent checkups guarantee lifelong oral health habits for the child.
7. Protecting Teeth During Sports and Play
Active kids need dental protection. For any sport involving contact, speed, or hard objects, have the child wear a properly fitted mouthguard. It softens impacts and prevents chipped or knocked-out teeth. Custom-fitted mouthguards from the dentist offer the best protection. Those boil-and-bite versions from stores will also work well. Keep play fun and smiles safe.
Lifelong Dental Health
Ask any pediatric dentist in Coral Springs, and they’ll tell you that raising children with healthy teeth is all about supervision until it becomes a habit for them to maintain their pearly whites. It’s a great gift you can give. Implant in their impressionable minds the importance of a cavity-free smile. Bring your kid over to Creekside Dental Excellence or call us at 954-255-5166 for an appointment.
