7 Signs You're Doing Good For Your Child's Tooth Care
Well, hello there! It’s time again for your fun and friendly visit to our office to see what’s going on in your mouth. Since I know you don’t have too much time to spend on your visit, I’d like to get started with you and see if Mom and Dad are really keeping an eye on you…
Let’s begin with the seven most important things to know when taking care of your teeth. We want to be sure that your teeth stay white, healthy and free of pain. Ready? Then let’s go!
1- How Old Do I Have To Be Before My First Visit?
Actually, as soon as you are one year old. That’s when your teeth will start coming through your gum line exposing your little teeth to bad germs in your mouth.
2- How Many Times A Day Do I Brush My Teeth?
A lot of people say at least two times a day is good. I rather you would brush every time you eat any food or even drink any juice, milk or soda. You see, the minute you eat or drink something, it starts to turn to sugar. As you all probably know, sugar is not the best thing for our teeth, but more on sugar later on. Of course, you might not be able to brush after every single meal, especially if you’re visiting someone or at the mall. Just be sure to brush every chance you can while at home.
3- Get To Know Your Dentist Really Well
Connecting with a dentist you feel good with helps you not to think about your next visit as something scary. You need to feel comfortable with your dentist, his other workers and his office surroundings too!
4- How Often Do I Need To Visit?
Some say once a year, but I say about every six months. I’ll check on how straight your teeth are growing and if there are any cavities. I’ll also be checking to see if your mouth is showing signs of being a little sick in some other way.
5- What Else Do I Need To Do Besides Brush My Teeth?
Well, you actually need to do several things, but let’s start with the foods that you eat like staying away from junk food or foods that are not healthy. Anyway, staying away from foods that are loaded with sugar is a must.
6- What Foods Can I Eat?
Basically, fruits, veggies, breads and meats that aren't loaded with sugar. But remember, you have to brush after every meal anyway, since all food or drinks will turn to sugar and then to cavities at some time later on. To be safe, rough-skinned raw veggies like celery and carrots will act like a brush would. They’ll be scraping away food particles from your tooth’s surface and in-between the teeth while keeping them mostly clean.
7- How About Flossing?
Flossing after every meal with a dental string will help a lot in getting at food trapped in-between your teeth. A good flossing helps because it’s kind of hard for a brush to get at everything. Let Mom or Dad check your mouth to see if there is any food left after you floss. And, be sure to rinse your mouth out several times with water.
Now A Word To Mom And/or Dad
An on-going early detection program is your best protection for your child’s oral health. Getting them used to regular visits will catch not only early signs of cavity or tooth decay but other illnesses as well.
Finding a dentist that you and your child feel comfortable with is equally important. In addition to helping you start a program of preventive dental home care, your dentist will help you monitor habits such as thumb-sucking and pacifier habits, provide counseling on proper nutrition and give you assessments of the child’s dental development.
Perhaps the most important of all is finding a dentist that takes his or her time to listen to their patients. Creating positive, encouraging experiences builds trust and pleasant return visits. That is our goal here at Tatum Pediatric Dentistry. Also, please remember that healthy teeth means less painful and less costly dental visits as well!
