Keeping Your Children’s Smiles Healthy

Children’s smiles are just as vulnerable to tooth decay and other oral health issues as an adult’s smile is, which means routine care is crucial. In today’s blog, your Newhall, CA, dentist looks at how we take a preventive approach to children’s dentistry, helping kids of all ages maintain optimal oral health and brighter smiles.

Homecare Habits

Each and every day, your kids need to care for their smiles to help prevent the onset of issues like tooth decay and gingivitis. As soon as the teeth begin to erupt, they need to be cleaned daily. As kids grow older, you should assist them and then monitor them as they brush in the morning and again before bed for at least two minutes. When we brush, this removes trapped food particles. Using a fluoride toothpaste also helps strengthen the outer enamel. Once there are teeth sitting side-by-side, kids should also start flossing in between the teeth, moving the tape up and down each side of every tooth to remove what a toothbrush alone cannot reach. We also suggest cutting back on sugary foods and drinks, which feed harmful bacteria and lead to plaque buildup!

Checkups and Cleanings

Kids also need to see our team twice a year, once every six months, for a checkup and cleaning. With a checkup, we keep a close eye on the smile as your child grows, looking for warning signs of issues like cavities, gingivitis, and misalignment, addressing them before they grow more severe and impact overall oral health. Checkups also help us instill good dental habits, and have been shown to reduce dental anxiety in children.

In the same visit, we also take time to remove all plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. A cleaning is valuable since it helps lower the risk of tooth and gum issues by removing harmful buildup, buildup that has been shown to weaken and erode enamel, and inflame gum tissues. The procedure also offers fresher breath and brighter teeth too!

Preventive Treatments

We also offer treatments to help reduce the risk of cavities. A fluoride varnish helps strengthen the outer enamel and can be applied during checkup visits. Dental sealants provide a barrier that coats the rear teeth and prevents food from becoming trapped between them. If you have any questions about children’s dentistry, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Children’s Dentistry?

When was the last time you brought your child in for a visit? With our preventive approach to children’s dentistry, we can help your little one enjoy a stronger smile. To learn more about kid’s dental care, then please schedule a consultation by calling Newhall Dental Arts in Newhall, CA, today at (661) 259-7760.