Most dental problems can be prevented if you know how to properly care for your little one’s smile.
It’s amazing how quickly children grow up. Before you know it your child will be showing off a full set of adult teeth. But before this happens, there are so many more milestones that your child’s smile has to complete before it can reach maturity. And of course there are problems along the way that can affect your child’s oral health. From the office of your Ashburn, VA pediatric dentist, Dr. Ajit Patel and Dr. Joe Errera, find out the best way to prevent dental infections in your child.
Our Ashburn children’s dentists are both focused on how to prevent dental issues altogether, and a lot of it means starting with children as soon as possible. When your child comes into our office, we focus on certain factors to make sure your little one is getting everything they need to maintain a healthy smile.
Brushing
When it comes to brushing your child’s teeth they should always use fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Toothbrushes should also be replaced every three to four months, or before bristles fray. Remember: frayed toothbrushes can damage healthy enamel.
Make sure your little one brushes at least twice a day but ideally four times throughout the day: after breakfast, after school (or lunch), after dinnertime and at bedtime. Most children will need help brushing their teeth until around 8 years old or older, after which you may still need to monitor them to make sure they are doing a thorough job.
Flossing
The toothbrush won’t be able to reach all areas of your child’s smile including between teeth and below the gum line. This is why it’s imperative that your child floss daily. Ideally, get your little one to floss at night right before bed, and make sure that they are always gentle, particularly near the gum line. If you have questions about how to floss your child’s teeth don’t hesitate to ask us.
Diet
What your child eats is just as important for a healthy smile. Our nutrition affects our oral health so it’s important that your child is maintaining a healthy, balanced diet to keep cavities and gum disease at bay. Avoid foods such as candy, desserts, refined carbs (e.g. white bread), sodas, fruit juices and dried fruit. Diets high in sugar also cause more cavities.
Instead, opt for a diet that is rich in dairy products, lean meats, fresh fruits, refined carbs (e.g. brown rice; whole grains) and vegetables.
Dental sealants and fluoride treatments are also things we can discuss at your child’s next dental visit. These are both great ways to prevent cavities and protect healthy teeth enamel in your little one.
Do you have questions about caring for your child’s smile? Do they need to come in for their routine dental cleaning? Then it’s high time you called Ashburn Pediatric Dental Center in Ashburn, VA for the professional dental care your child needs most.