Winter is a time for enjoying holiday foods and spending time with family. We also love to give our children toys and books to help them enjoy their winter break. But what about the little things that can make a big difference in their health?
Here are some winter tooth care tips for children.
Brush your child’s teeth twice a day. Begin brushing at birth and continue until your child can brush on his or her own. Make sure you use age-appropriate toothpaste! Allowing plaque to build up on your child's teeth can lead to cavities or gum disease. Children should brush their teeth after every meal or snack, including bedtime snack, and before bedtime. Make sure your child brushes for at least two minutes using a soft toothbrush with a fluoride-containing toothpaste designed for children at least 2 years of age (under 6 years). A dentist-approved fluoride toothpaste should be used until age 6 when young children have developed the necessary manual dexterity and coordination to spit out excess toothpaste from the mouth.
Floss daily! Flossing will help prevent cavities between teeth, as well as periodontal disease that may lead to tooth loss. Don’t forget to floss behind those back molars! Flossing once a day is not enough! Flossing after every meal or snack helps eliminate food particles that can cause decay in between teeth and under the gum line. It also dislodges plaque that gets stuck between teeth, resulting in cleaner teeth overall!
Ask your dentist or dental hygienist if fluoride treatment is right for you and your child. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel to help prevent cavities. Fluoride treatments are safe and effective when used as directed by a health professional. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel of their teeth so they can resist decay longer and it also helps to prevent cavities from forming in the first place. Using fluoride toothpaste is an effective way to help prevent tooth decay in children who have not yet reached 6 years old. Once they reach this age, they should use a non-fluoride toothpaste since it may be too abrasive on their developing gums or teeth and cause pain or discomfort during brushing.
Visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning appointment — before any problems arise! Schedule regular checkups throughout childhood so we can help keep your child’s smile healthy for life!
If you are located in the Renton area, give us a try! Dr. Shahram at Renton Children's Dentistry is all about providing an enjoyable and fun environment for your child!
