While oral health is important at any age, helping your children develop positive dental habits from a young age helps to lay the groundwork for better habits in the future. Additionally, positive dental habits can aid in the development of strong and healthy teeth, so it’s crucial to set a good example for children from a young age. To follow are five ways you can help keep your children’s teeth healthy and instill positive oral health habits.
Top 5 Ways to Preserve Your Child’s Smile
- Schedule routine comprehensive dental exams and cleanings. All patients should visit a dentist for routine exams and cleanings every six months, regardless of age. These exams can aid in the early detection of issues like tooth decay or gum disease, while helping to prevent future problems from occurring.
- Use dental sealants. There are a number of depressions and grooves on the surface of molars and premolars that can be difficult for toothbrushes to reach, making it easy for plaque and food particles to build up. Dental sealants are a plastic material applied to the surface to these teeth to help keep food and plaque out and fight tooth decay.
- Fluoride treatments. Fluoride is a natural substance found in certain foods, water sources and more that can prevent tooth decay and strengthen teeth. Dentists can also provide fluoride treatments as an extra precaution against cavities in children with developing teeth.
- Teach your children how they can care for their teeth. Teaching children about brushing, flossing and other positive oral health habits will help them continue these habits into adulthood.
- Help eliminate harmful oral habits. While they may seem innocuous, habits like thumb sucking and pacifier use can have a damaging effect on the alignment of teeth if they continue for too long. Speak to your dentist about some ways you can help stop these habits as your children grow older.
To Learn More about Pediatric Dental Care, Contact Park View Pediatric Dentistry Today.
For more information about how to preserve your child’s smile, contact Drs. Pilla, Chin or Lambert today. Our office is located in New York, NY and can be reached at 212-879-6518. We look forward to hearing from you.