Kids have very specific dental health requirements because their smile is continuously developing. It is so important for your child to learn to take excellent care of their smile as a child so that they can have a healthy adult smile in the future. Children are at a higher risk for cavities and gum disease because they tend to eat diets that are high in sugar, and they may not be the best at cleaning their teeth. Our Keller TX general dentist has some tips for helping your child achieve their healthiest smile. Keep reading to learn some easy ways your child can improve their oral health!
Kids are at a Higher Risk for Cavities
Cavities occur when dental decay has created a deep hole in the tooth. A cavity that has reached the core of the tooth or the gumline can put your child at serious risk for infection. While it may not seem like a big deal for your child to develop cavities in their temporary baby teeth, it can actually cause major issues in the future. Your child's smile is the foundation that their developing adult teeth will grow into. You want to make sure that they are protecting their teeth and gums from decay and gum disease. Our Keller TX general dentist recommends that your child follow a proper dental hygiene routine, avoid too much sugar, and visit our office every six months for a cleaning. These basic steps can do wonders to help protect your child's teeth from cavities.
Teach Healthy Dental Hygiene Habits
Dental hygiene is the foundation for a healthy smile. Healthy habits are learned at childhood, so take the time now to teach your child how to properly care for their smile. Brushing your teeth together can be a great opportunity to bond with your child! Our Keller TX general dentist recommends putting on some music so that you can time your brushing to be exactly two minutes. Two minutes is the perfect amount of time to ensure that every surface of the teeth has been properly cleaned. Make sure your child is using fluoride toothpaste for some added protection on their enamel. You also want to teach your child how to floss properly. The floss should be moved in a "C" motion around the tooth so that food and debris can be freed from in between hard to reach areas of the smile. Lastly, rinse with some antibacterial mouthwash. Mouthwash can be a great tool to promote fresh breath and fight oral bacteria. Make sure your child brushes their teeth gently and that they don't scrub too hard. Brushing too roughly can actually harm their enamel and gum line, so just a simple cleaning would be best. Replace their toothbrush every three months so that they can effectively clean their smile.
Visit Our Office Every Six Months
Regular dental cleanings are an essential part of any healthy smile, so book your child a visit today! Plaque that hardens on the surface of teeth calcifies and turns into tartar. That tartar can then only be removed through the process of scaling, which is done at your regular dental cleanings. Kids need to have their teeth cleaned regularly to help prevent serious cavities and gum disease. This would also be a good opportunity for them to receive additional fluoride treatments or dental sealants. Every smile is unique, so ask our Keller TX general dentist what would be right for your child's care.
Book your child's next dental cleaning by calling our office at (817) 741-1240 or by filling out a contact request form directly on our site. We look forward to helping your child have a healthy smile for life, so call our team today!
