As a parent, one of your many responsibilities is to care for the oral health of your little one, which will teach them to eventually care for their oral health independently. In this blog post, we suggest a few tips for helping your child have superb oral health.
Brush with a Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is a natural mineral that plays an important role in the remineralization process of teeth. When this mineral is deposited into the crystalline mineral structure of enamel, the outer layer of teeth, the teeth become harder and stronger. This helps protects teeth from decay. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice for children under three years old. You can increase to a pea-sized amount for children three years of age and older.
Consult with our team about when your child would benefit from an in-office fluoride treatment.
Limit Sugary Snacks
Many children love the taste of a cookie or lollipop and prefer juice or soda to water. Help your child indulge in these treats in moderation. Teach them to enjoy a well-balanced diet high in whole fruits and vegetables. Sugary snacks encourage bacteria to thrive in your child’s mouth. These bacteria feast upon sugar and produce acidic byproducts that damage your child’s enamel. Additionally, well-fed bacteria will accumulate into a sticky film called plaque that irritates your child’s gums, causing gum disease.
Sticky sour candies are some of the worst treats for your child’s teeth because they are both sugary and acidic in composition.
Schedule Regular Dental Exams
Dental exams are an essential part of keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy. The ADA recommends a routine checkup and cleaning at least every six months. For children with extensive oral health problems, we may recommend more frequent visits to keep oral health problems at bay.
At your child’s appointment, we will thoroughly clean your child’s teeth and assess for any oral health problems. Depending on your child’s age, we may recommend dental X-rays. These special images help us identify problems and track your child’s oral development.
Ready to schedule your child’s appointment with Prairie Dental Group in Eden Prairie, MN? Call us at 952-903-5000 or utilize our online contact form.
Contact Us