Proper dental care is essential for kids of all ages. But, doing it in a preventive way is even more important as it can help avoid cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. To help you get the best out of preventive dental care for kids, here are 10 tips that our dentistry in shoreline wants you to keep in mind:
Preventive Dental Care for Kids Tips
#1 – Seeing the dentist begins as soon as the first tooth erupts.
You should take your child to the dentist as soon as their first tooth starts to show. It’s the most important preventive dental care for kids because it helps the dentist to monitor your child’s oral health and identify any potential problems early on.
#2 – Proper oral hygiene must be a priority.
Encourage your child to brush their teeth at least twice a day and to floss daily. Help them to develop a good oral hygiene routine that they can stick to.
This is essential aside from going to the dentist because it helps to remove plaque and bacteria that can cause cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
#3 – Schedule regular dental visits.
It is recommended that kids see the dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning. This helps to ensure that any problems are detected and treated early on under preventive dental care for kids.
During these regular visits, the dentist will also provide preventive care, such as sealants and fluoride treatments, which can help to protect your child’s teeth from cavities and decay.
#4 – Make sure that your child is eating a healthy diet.
A healthy diet is important for overall health, including oral health. Encourage your child to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as foods that are low in sugar and acidity for better preventive dental care for kids.
These types of foods help to promote healthy teeth and gums. Avoiding sugary drinks, such as soda, is also important as they can increase the risk of cavities.
#4 – Consider getting dental sealants for preventive dental care for kids.
Dental sealants are a preventive measure that can help to protect your child’s teeth from cavities. They are a thin coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, which helps to prevent food and bacteria from getting into the tiny crevices and causing decay.
#5 – Make sure your child is using the right toothbrush and toothpaste.
It is important that your child is using a toothbrush that is the right size and type for their teeth. A too-soft brush can damage their gums while a too-hard brush can wear down their enamel. An electric toothbrush can be a good option for kids as it can be easier to use and more effective at removing plaque.
As for toothpaste, make sure that your child is using one that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth and prevent cavities. You can ask your dentist for recommendations on the best toothbrush and toothpaste for your child.
#6 – Fluoride treatment can be beneficial.
Fluoride treatments are often recommended preventive dental care for kids as they can help to prevent cavities. The treatment involves applying a fluoride varnish or gel to the teeth, which helps to strengthen the enamel and make it more resistant to decay.
#7 – Consult an orthodontist when your child turns seven.
An orthodontist is a dentist that specializes in straightening teeth. It is recommended that you consult an orthodontist when your child turns seven as they can help to assess the need for braces or other dental treatments.
While some may see this as unnecessary, it is definitely preventive dental care for kids that is worth taking, especially if your child is at risk for developing dental problems. When an orthodontic issue is identified early on, it can be treated more effectively.
This can help you and your child avoid more serious problems down the road. It can also help them avoid needing braces and aligners later on, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Get the Best Preventive Dental Care for Kids from the Best Kids’ Dentist in Shoreline, WA
While preventive dental care for kids is essential, it’s also a good measure to choose the right dentist for your child. At Floss & Gloss Kids Dentistry in Shoreline, we provide preventive dental care for kids through routine checkups and cleaning, sealants, fluoride treatments, and more.
Aside from preventive dental care for kids, you can also trust Floss & Gloss Kids Dentistry to provide optimal conservative, restorative dentistry in Shoreline, sedation, and emergency services to your child. We understand that going to the dentist can be a stressful experience for some kids, which is why we have a team of gentle and caring staff to make sure that your child is comfortable during their appointment.
Safety is our priority. We use enhanced PPE, squeaky-clean offices, and sterilized equipment to ensure that your child is safe while in our care. We also employ gentle cleaning, being thorough, but still making sure our patients are comfortable.
At Floss & Gloss Kids Dentistry, we only recommend what’s necessary. We make suggestions based on what your child needs. Nothing extra!
Schedule an appointment with us today and let us help you give your child the best preventive dental care. You can also contact us at (206) 486-8068. Our office is located at Aurora Square II 15819 Westminister Way N Shoreline, WA. We look forward to hearing from you and meeting your child soon!