Pediatric dentistry is critical care for your young child. The sooner you make this a priority in the life of your son or daughter, the less likely they are to have dental problems. As your child grows, it is vital to pay close attention to good oral hygiene. This includes daily habits and maintaining a healthy diet. Your pediatric dentist is a good resource for providing advice and answering questions you may have.
Some parents wait until their child has several teeth or has begun school to start dental treatments and checkups. Most dentists recommend that children start to get used to going to the office for appointments as soon as they get teeth. This can happen as early as age 1. From this point, patients should see the dentist at least every six months.
Going to the dentist regularly is vital for a child’s oral health. Appointments will include a thorough teeth cleaning where the hygienist will remove any plaque and tartar from the child’s teeth. The dentist will also examine the patient and address any emerging concerns. At a checkup, the dentist may identify an issue that would otherwise not come to light until it is more serious. At these appointments, parents can also address concerns and ask questions.
Brushing at least twice a day will help to prevent cavities. Children can be more prone to getting cavities, so using fluoride-based toothpaste, especially after meals and before bedtime, is crucial. If food is consistently getting stuck in the child’s mouth, parents can help. Until the child can effectively brush hard-to-reach spots, parents should help. The child may not be hitting these areas or may not be brushing there long enough or with enough force.
Getting young children to brush by themselves can be challenging. Flossing might be even more difficult for them. Flossing is one of the most effective ways to remove food from and around the molars. Parents should monitor children’s flossing habits and lend a hand when necessary. Pediatric dentistry professionals say this should happen daily.
Foods such as bread and meat tend to get stuck in the back of the mouth. Dentists at pediatric dentistry offices frequently treat patients who have tooth decay because of this issue. A good tactic is to rinse with water right after eating. This can break up any remaining pieces of food and food particles. Using an antiseptic mouthwash can do the trick too. Plus, this method can help protect the teeth against cavities.
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If your child is having trouble removing food from their mouth, try these methods. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing are good ways to keep a mouth clear of remaining food. In turn, this will reduce your child’s risk of developing tooth decay. Your pediatric dentistry office can offer suggestions and treatment as well. Make an appointment for your child today.
Request an appointment or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at 703-763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.
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