Pediatric dental care can make a huge difference for a young patient’s smile in both the short term and the long term. Proper pediatric dental care includes both professional dental treatments and thorough daily oral hygiene care. Today our Elmhurst dentists are reviewing some of the key attributes of a healthy pediatric dental care regimen.
Let’s start by discussing some of the foundational things that your child can do at home to maintain oral health.
· Brush at least twice a day—make sure that your child brushes his teeth once in the morning to start the day, and once in the evening before going to bed
· Every time your child brushes, make sure that he or she is brushing for at least 2 minutes
· When brushing, your child should move her brush in small circular motions while applying gentle pressure—applying too much pressure can cause dental erosion and gum tissue damage
· Talk to your dentist about when your child should start using toothpastes with fluoride—usually children who are old enough to brush without swallowing toothpaste are cleared to use fluoridated products
· Encourage your child to floss once a day—the most effective time to floss is at night right before you brush
Complement your at-home oral hygiene efforts with professional dental care in order to achieve optimal results.
· The American dental association recommends that dental patients complete professional dental cleanings every six months, so that your dentist can clear away accumulated plaque and tartar
· Talk to your dentist about professional preventive treatments that may benefit your child—like sealants and topical fluoride treatments
Our Elmhurst dentists are happy to answer any questions that you may have about pediatric dental care. You can always reach our team by calling our office, or by submitting a question through the Contact Us page on our website.