Keep Little Smiles Healthy
At Marshfield Pediatric Dentistry, we know that nothing is more important than your child’s health. We also know that tooth decay is the most common chronic preventable childhood disease, so we want to stand by you and help your family maintain optimal oral health. Here are a few tips to help you minimize the risk of cavities and tooth decay for your kids:
1. Start Seeing The Dentist Early
Your children should start seeing the dentist when their first tooth erupts, or when they turn one year old, whichever comes first. It’s also important to establish a routine and bring them to the dentist every six months for a cleaning and oral exam. Seeing a dentist like Dr. Hantson regularly from an early age helps your child become more familiar with the process of a dental appointment, and it will also help Dr. Hantson track your child’s oral development.
2. Care For Their Teeth Properly, And Lead By Example
Brush your child’s teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. Children don’t have the ability to brush their own teeth properly until they have enough manual dexterity to tie their own shoes, which usually happens from ages 6-8. It’s also important to floss your child’s teeth once per day until they’re about 10-11 years old.
Even when your children are old enough to brush and floss on their own, supervise them to ensure that they use the proper techniques. Lead by example! Make sure you’re brushing and flossing properly, and consider making oral hygiene a fun family activity!
3. Watch Their Diet – Cut Down on Soda, Juice, Sugary Snacks
Juice and soda are full of acid and sugar that encourage tooth decay. The same is true of sugary treats like fruit snacks and candy. Try to cut down on these foods and beverages, and encourage your kids to drink water and milk instead. For optimal health, kids should eat a diet high in fiber and low in sugar and simple carbohydrates. This will help prevent tooth decay and encourage better overall health.
4. Consider Dental Sealants And Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments can help reverse minor cases of tooth decay. Dental sealants, on the other hand, can be used to prevent cavities from forming altogether. Both of these treatments are fast, non-invasive, and usually covered by insurance. During your child’s next oral exam and cleaning, ask Dr. Hantson if one of these preventive dental treatments may be the right choice for their oral health.
5. Get A Custom Mouthguard For Kids Playing Sports
If your child plays any kind of contact sport, a mouthguard is essential for preventing oral injuries. A mouthguard helps distribute force evenly across the mouth if your child is hit in the face or mouth, preventing tooth damage or loss. Dr. Hantson can create a custom-molded mouthguard to help protect your child’s mouth when playing sports, giving you peace of mind and ensuring that little smiles stay strong and healthy.
Keep Your Child’s Mouth Healthy With These Tips!
With these simple tips, you can make sure your child’s mouth remains healthy and free of most oral health issues. If you need more suggestions or you would like to schedule a dental appointment for your little one, contact Marshfield Pediatric Dentistry today!
As an experienced pediatric dentist, Dr. Hantson can provide the treatment and information you need to keep your child’s smile healthy. Give us a call at (781) 205-1124 for an appointment, or come to 3 Proprietors Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050 to schedule your consultation in-person.
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