Professional and at Home Prevention
Pediatric oral care involves both professional care at the pediatric dentist’s office and at-home preventative care. While cavities and tooth decay in infants and toddlers have become more common in recent years, implementing a solid dental strategy can help reduce the risk of both.
The goal of preventative care is to maintain the health of your child's teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children begin visiting the pediatric dentist for “well baby” checkups by the time they turn one. Regular visits every six months are typically recommended, but your pediatric dentist may suggest a different schedule based on your child's needs.
How Can a Pediatric Dentist Care for My Child’s Teeth?
At Sky Pediatric Dentistry, your child will receive a comprehensive dental exam. The pediatric dentist will look for signs of early decay, monitor tooth and jaw development, and address any orthodontic concerns. They will also offer helpful family oral health education, such as:
- Topical Fluoride: To help strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.
- Dental Sealants: A protective coating applied to molars to seal out harmful bacteria, food particles, and acid.
During each visit, your child’s teeth will be professionally cleaned, and fluoride may be applied to provide extra protection. The pediatric dentist will also demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques, discuss dietary recommendations, offer advice on pacifier and thumb-sucking habits, and ensure your child feels comfortable and relaxed.
How Can I Help at Home?
While regular dental checkups are essential, much of the responsibility for maintaining good oral health rests with parents at home. Here are some important at-home care tips:
- Diet: Provide a balanced diet and limit sugary foods and snacks. Sticky or sugary foods can lead to tooth decay, as oral bacteria feed on leftover sugar and produce harmful acids. Offer healthier alternatives like carrot sticks, celery, and yogurt.
- Oral Habits: Thumb-sucking and pacifier use can cause alignment issues with your child’s teeth. Dr. Ashley and the team at Sky Pediatric Dentistry can offer guidance and even provide tools to help break these habits.
- General Oral Hygiene: Avoid transferring bacteria between parent and child by refraining from sharing utensils or sucking on pacifiers. Always rinse toys and pacifiers with warm water.
- Sippy Cups: While sippy cups are a helpful transition tool, they can cause continuous exposure to sugary liquids if filled with milk, juice, or sweetened water. It’s best to stop using sippy cups between 12-14 months.
- Brushing: Brush your child’s teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a smear of toothpaste for children under 2 and a pea-sized amount for kids aged 2-5. Continue helping with brushing until your child is capable of brushing on their own (usually around age 7). Be sure to use ADA-approved toothpaste.
- Flossing: Cavities often develop between teeth, so make flossing a part of your child’s daily routine. The pediatric dentist can provide tips on how to make flossing fun and effective.
- Fluoride: Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. However, it’s important to get the right balance. Too much fluoride can cause fluorosis (white spots on teeth), while too little can lead to tooth decay. Your pediatric dentist will monitor fluoride intake and may recommend supplements if necessary.
New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!
