Pediatric Dentist in Greensboro Makes Teeth Cleanings for Kids Fun

Preventive dental care and good oral hygiene at home are paramount to maintaining great oral health for your child’s lifetime. Dr. Sona Isharani and her team at Triad Pediatric Dentistry in Greensboro, NC understand that your kids deserve top-quality professional teeth cleanings and dental care. There are several ways you can help ensure that your kids are set on the path of great oral health. Below, we  discuss some of these tips so that your children’s smiles can be healthy and free from cavities.

Dental Checkups

Your child should visit the dentist by the time they reach one year of age, or after their first tooth comes in. Making sure that they are receiving preventive dental care this early will not only benefit them, but it will save you money down the road, as the CDC has found that there is a 40% reduction in dental costs for children who have seen the dentist by this recommended age. Regular teeth cleanings help eliminate disease-causing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your child’s teeth and are a great opportunity for us to talk to you and your child about healthy home hygiene.

Healthy Habits

Proper brushing technique is critical from the very start.

• Even before a tooth has come in, you can gently brush your toddler’s gums using a baby toothbrush or soft washcloth with water
• Once your baby’s first teeth appear, you should brush twice a day using a toothbrush meant for infant use and a small amount of toothpaste
• Once your baby has two adjacent teeth, you should introduce flossing to the routine; this should be done just before you put your baby to bed and, once completed, there should be no further feedings or drinks (except for water) until the next day

Dr. Isharani and our team are happy to discuss the proper cleaning schedule and technique for your child’s specific age, as well as provide a demonstration.

Baby Bottle Decay

When you put your baby down for a nap or to sleep for the night, avoid doing so with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice. Sugary substances will cling to the teeth and feed any bacteria that are present, which can lead to tooth decay. If you do put your baby down with a bottle, it is best do so only with water.

The Problem with Juice

Parents feel safe giving their children juice as a drink throughout the day because it is viewed as a healthy choice, but the truth is that juice can easily lead to tooth decay due to the sugar content. You should attempt to give your child no more than four ounces of 100% juice per day. At mealtimes, it is best to provide non-sugary drinks and foods, and only rarely provide juice as a treat.

If you are interested in learning more about tips for taking care of your child’s teeth, please call Triad Pediatric Dentistry in Greensboro, NC at (336) 804-8668.