Essential Dental Tips for Busy Parents

Teenagers aren’t children anymore, but they should continue seeing their pediatric dentist.

Pediatric dentistry meets not only the special needs of children but also of teens and adolescents. Teens experience important growth in their faces and jaws. Teens are also getting the last of their permanent teeth, and teeth that have just come through the gums are especially vulnerable to decay.

Your Child and Cheese

Cheese is a healthy snack for your child’s teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities. Moreover, calcium and phosphorous found in cheese prevent decreases in the plaque’s ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child’s teeth.

SEE ALSO: Setting a Food Schedule and Good Habits to Keep Kids Teeth Healthy

Sealants

"Sealant" refers to a clear or shaded plastic material placed in the pits and grooves of children’s teeth to prevent decay. The pediatric dentist applies this invisible protector by drying and conditioning the teeth, painting on the sealant and then allowing it to harden. Sealants are an effective method for cavity prevention.

Tooth-brushing

Tooth-brushing is good for cavity prevention.

Toothbrushes manual or powered, both can assist with keeping your child’s smile cavity-free. When choosing a manual toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums.

SEE ALSO: Pediatric Dental Advancements That Make the Difference

Choose one specifically designed for children's smaller hands and mouths. Large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. It’s good to brush your children’s teeth and supervise the brushing and flossing of school-age children until they are 7 to 8 years of age.

Soft-bristled toothbrushes are good for children. Change your child toothbrush every 3 months or sooner if the bristles are fraying because frayed bristles are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

Prevent oral health school-related absences

In order to prevent oral health school-related absences, you can teach your child to floss once a day and brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Avoid frequent snacking, because sugary or starchy snacks can increase the risk for cavities.