There are two components to pediatric dentistry, preventive care at our dentist’s office and preventive care at home. Dr. Andrew Smith has provided this page of information about caring for your child’s teeth to help you keep your child’s smile healthy. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Wasatch Gentle Dental at 801-262-6661. We will be happy to provide you with more information and help you schedule your child’s appointment with our caring dental professionals.
Although brushing and flossing are the two main topics most people think of when they hear the words “home care” or “oral hygiene,” caring for your child’s teeth involves many other factors. These include:
• Diet – Provide your child with a nourishing, balanced diet. Limit their intake of sugary foods, and discourage continuous snacking. We recommend providing alternative, non-sugary snacks such as celery sticks, carrots, and low-fat yogurt.
• Oral Habits – If your child uses a pacifier, choose an orthodontically correct model to minimize the risk of developmental problems. Our dentist can also suggest strategies to help you child stop sucking his or her thumb.
• General Oral Hygiene – Rinse toys and pacifiers with warm water, and avoid sharing spoons. This will prevent you from sharing the bacteria in your mouth with your child and increasing their risk of cavities and tooth decay.
• Sippy Cup Use – Do not keep sugary liquids in sippy cups, as it continuously exposes your child’s teeth to harmful, cavity-producing bacteria. Sippy cup use should be discontinued at 12-14 months, or as soon as your child can hold a regular drinking glass.
• Brushing – Brush your child’s teeth at least two times each day using a soft-bristled brush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Help your child brush until he or she is seven years old. To clean your infant’s mouth, gently rub the gums with a clean cloth after each feeding.
• Flossing – Cavities and tooth decay form more easily between teeth. You should begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as two teeth grow adjacent to each other. Our dentist can demonstrate the best methods for flossing your infant’s teeth.
• Fluoride – Fluoride prevents mineral loss and strengthens the enamel of teeth. Our dentist can evaluate how much fluoride your child is currently receiving and provide a supplement if necessary.
To learn more about caring for your child’s teeth, please contact our office today.
