Children’s teeth and gums are critical to their overall health. Good oral hygiene habits early in life help set kids up for a lifetime of optimal dental health.
When a child has a toothache, dentists use a variety of treatments to treat the issue. One common treatment is a filling.
Getting Started
It is important to start establishing good oral hygiene habits in kids dental care Raleigh NC early. Even before their teeth appear, it is recommended to wipe their gums and clean their mouth with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth. This gets them accustomed to the idea of dental care and is an easy way for parents to model healthy habits.
Once their teeth arrive, it is a good idea to schedule their first dentist visit, which should be before their first birthday. Many pediatric dentists specialize in handling the unique needs of children, providing a welcoming environment that makes kids feel safe and confident. Establishing positive dental habits in childhood will give kids a solid foundation for lifelong dental health and a radiant smile.
Brushing
It is important for children to brush their teeth regularly. This is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay and other dental problems. Children should brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. This should include the inside, outside and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
We recommend using children’s toothpaste with a low fluoride level. Some toothpastes have fruity or mild flavours to make it more appealing to kids. Be sure to help or supervise kids while brushing. Also, remember to spit out the toothpaste and not rinse, as this dilutes the toothpaste’s preventative effects.
Flossing is just as important as brushing, but it can be harder to get kids to do it. We suggest starting this habit at an early age, as it can help reduce the risk of crooked teeth.
Flossing
Children need to floss daily in order to clean the areas a toothbrush can’t reach. Food debris and bacteria build up in these narrow crevices and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Flossing is often harder for kids dental care Raleigh NC to grasp than brushing, so it’s important to take extra time to explain and demonstrate the process properly. You can even use fun tools like dental floss picks that come in different colors and flavors to make it more appealing for kids.
Make flossing a family activity by doing it together and praising them for their efforts. You can also make a sticker chart that rewards them for their oral care habits, such as placing a sticker for each day they brush and floss.
Visit the Dentist
Getting kids to the dentist regularly helps them avoid problems like tooth decay, which can cause pain, difficulty concentrating and other medical issues. It’s important to visit a dental professional who has experience working with children and who is comfortable with making kids feel safe during their appointment. Pediatric dentists may do this by physically getting down to their level or using kid-friendly vocabulary to make them feel at ease.
Parents can also help by talking positively about visiting the dentist and reading books or watching videos to familiarize kids with what they can expect at their first visit. And it’s a good idea to schedule visits in the morning, when young children are generally at their best.
Routine Checkups
Visiting the dentist regularly plays a key role in maintaining good oral health. Routine dental visits allow dentists to detect potential issues early on. For example, a cavity that goes unnoticed could worsen to the point where it requires more extensive treatment, including a filling or even a root canal. Also, a dentist can help identify negative behaviors such as thumb-sucking and teeth grinding that may lead to long-term problems.
A dental checkup includes a dental exam, professional cleaning, fluoride treatment, and sometimes X-rays. Talking to kids dental care Raleigh NC about upcoming dental visits and building positive associations with the dentist can reduce anxiety and make it easier to schedule appointments on a regular basis. These steps can help kids build healthy habits and develop good oral hygiene practices that last a lifetime.