Oral Hygiene Tips from a Dentist to Keep Your Children’s Teeth Healthy

1. July 11, 2017 Oral Hygiene Tips from a Dentist to Keep Your Children’s Teeth Healthy Between school and play, the last thing on your child’s mind may be taking good care of their teeth. That’s why you as the parent should help instill good habits dental habits for a bright smile and an even brighter future. If you take advice offered by a family dentist, you can avoid teeth complications down the road. Page | 1

2. Use Fluoride to Prevent Tooth Decay Your child’s tooth enamel is made up of mineral crystals that are closely packed together. Over time, though, these minerals are lost, a process known as demineralization. Bacteria is usually the culprit. When your child consumes foods and drinks rich in sugar, bacteria attaches to their teeth. Not only does this cause damage to the enamel, it could lead to tooth decay if no preventative steps are taken. To counteract bacteria, you can opt for using fluoride. When ingested in small doses, fluoride becomes a part of developing teeth. It also strengthens teeth on the outside and makes acids less effective at damaging tooth enamel. There are many types of fluoride treatments available today. Topical fluoride products, for example, can be applied directly to teeth. Some of the most common forms include toothpaste, mouthwash, and professional fluoride treatments. Fluoride supplements may also be prescribed, which are usually the best option for children who don’t have access to water that naturally contains fluoride. Treat Cavities with Sealants A cavity is technically defined as a hole in the tooth, but why does it occur? It’s actually the result of tooth decay that has worsened over time. Mouths are naturally full of bacteria. They can get on your children’s teeth, gums, and tongue. Failing to take care of bacteria could lead to cavities, but it’s not too late. Along with regular fluoride solutions and supplements, dental sealants are a great way for your children to avoid cavities. They are essentially a thin, plastic coating that’s painted onto the chewing surfaces in the back of the mouth. Food is then not able to get stuck in the tiny grooves of your child’s molars and back teeth. It’s recommended to get dental sealants for the first permanent molars, which occur between the ages of 5 and 7. Sealants are a great deterrent for cavities and are often preferred over fillings because of their affordability. Page | 2

3. Develop a Healthy Oral Routine A lot of children’s dental problems can be avoided with good oral hygiene. Make this a routine for your child so that problems like gum disease and cavities are not a common occurrence. If your child doesn’t show a lot of interest, make brushing and flossing a fun activity. You could, for example, let your child brush your teeth and then they can do their own. As you smile, they may associate brushing with positive experiences. When it comes to keeping your children’s teeth healthy, you should always stay proactive and consult with a dentist. They have innovative procedures that can fix minor to severe problems and will make sure your child is staying on top of their dental routine. About Finger Lakes Family Dental: When it comes to keeping your children’s teeth healthy, you need help from Finger Lakes Family Dental. We know that it’s never too early to see a dental professional and we’ll make sure it’s a positive experience for your child. We offer check-ups and teeth cleaning to ensure your children’s teeth remain in great condition. Sources: What Does Fluoride Do To Protect Your Smile, colgate.com Seal Out Tooth Decay, nidcr.nih.gov Page | 3