You want the best for your child--including a long-lasting smile. At General Dentistry 4 Kids in Virginia Beach, VA, your dentist, Dr. Elleni Kapoor, encourages parents to teach their children proper oral hygiene habits at home. They're the foundation for outstanding oral health.
What makes a healthy smile?
The answer is consistent at-home care combined with in-office visits with your dentist in Virginia Beach, VA. Dr. Kapoor and her team ask parents to bring their little ones in for a new patient visit by age one and then every six months afterwards. A hygienic cleaning, X-rays as needed and a complete check-up support what you do with your child on a daily basis at home.
So, parents, model good oral hygiene, and offer healthy meals consistently. Encourage your children to drink water, not sugary sodas and juices, to keep their mouths free of food residues and to stimulate saliva.
Finally, don't assume a young child will follow through with correct brushing and flossing techniques. Swab your baby's mouth with a moistened 4x4 at least once a day. Brush (with a pea-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste), and floss your toddler's teeth twice a day. Supervise all children until at least age eight, says the American Dental Association (ADA).
Prober brushing techniques
Here's how to brush a child's teeth:
- Brush all teeth—front and back.
- Use short strokes.
- Clean the tongue, gums, and roof of the mouth.
- Make sure your child rinses and spits well.
Here's how to floss
Use either plain or flavored floss. Pull an 18-inch strand from the dispenser, and wind the ends around opposing index fingers. Gently insert the floss into all interdental spaces, forming a c-shape with the strand. Move the floss up and down. Your child will likely develop sufficient dexterity to floss by the age of eight or so, but again, continue to supervise for a year or two.
When you come to General Dentistry 4 Kids
Besides exams, cleanings, and X-rays, your dentist offers fluoride treatments and plastic sealants in her Virginia Beach, VA, practice. Both are easily and comfortably applied and confer additional protection against the acids that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Lastly, ask Dr. Kapoor about an acrylic mouthguard to protect your young athlete's smile.
Prevention is everything
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that tooth decay in children is all too common. So, parents, be proactive in teaching your children good oral hygiene early on. If you have any questions, call the friendly team at General Dentistry 4 Kids. Dr. Elleni Kapoor loves seeing her young patients smile. Phone (757) 965-3333 today.
