Healthy teeth are a vital part of your child’s overall health, growth and development. Teeth help your child to eat, digest food and speak properly, as well as helping their permanent teeth erupt. When caring for your child’s teeth, our pediatric dentists and team recommend that you:

• Make sure your child brushes their teeth at least twice a day. You will need to brush your child’s teeth for them until they are about 7. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head.
• Make sure your child flosses daily. Flossing cleans between the teeth and below the gumline where a toothbrush will not reach.
• Make and keep regular dental appointments for your child. Children should visit the dentist within six months of their first tooth erupting and should visit the dentist every six months following their initial appointment.
• Check with your child’s dentist about preventive treatments. This includes cleanings and exams, fluoride and dental sealants.
• Help your child eat a nutritious and balanced diet. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods will help keep your child’s teeth healthy. Avoiding constant snacking will also reduce the likelihood of cavities and other problems developing.
• If your child plays a sport, make sure they wear a mouth guard. Athletic mouth guards protect your child’s teeth, gums and oral structures from injury.

Please also remember that thumb- and finger-sucking is normal for babies and small children. Most children will break sucking habits on their own by around age 4, but our pediatric dentists and team are also available to provide assistance and guidance in helping to break negative oral habits.

To learn more about caring for your child’s oral habits or to make an appointment with our pediatric dentists, please give our office a call!