Taking proper care of your child’s teeth is important for both their oral health and their overall well-being. At Pines Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we provide comprehensive preventative care that will help your child maintain a healthy smile throughout adolescence and beyond.
Our services range from regular checkups and cleanings to fluoride, dental sealants, and more—all designed to safeguard your child’s dental health and preserve their natural smile. Also, our team never leaves parents in the dark and will guide you through the process of caring for your child’s smiles at home between visits. Call today to schedule an appointment with our Pembroke Pines, FL office!
Daily Brushing & Flossing
One of the most important elements of preventative care for your child is to establish a daily routine of brushing and flossing. We recommend brushing at least twice a day and flossing once daily. We can demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques during your child’s appointment, so they will know exactly how to keep their teeth clean. Additionally, we’ve included a guide below that you can begin implementing into your child’s hygiene routine today!
Brushing:
- For infants, use a soft washcloth to gently clean their gums after every feeding. Once teeth emerge, begin using a gentle, soft-bristled toothbrush designed for babies. A rice-grain size amount of toothpaste can be used as well.
- For toddlers, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste. Have them brush their teeth for two minutes and rinse when finished.
- For older children and teenagers, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Have them brush for two minutes, then rinse. To ensure each section of the mouth is being thoroughly cleaned, divide it into quadrants and spend 30 seconds on each section.
Flossing:
Once the teeth begin to touch, it will be time to start flossing. Make sure your child flosses gently to avoid injuring the delicate gum tissue. If necessary, use a threading tool to get between the teeth.
- To begin, break off a long piece of floss and wrap it around a finger on each hand, leaving a bit of length in between.
- Gently slide the floss in between each tooth, going up and down in a saw-like motion.
- Curve the floss around each tooth and rub it against the side of the tooth and into the gum line.
If your child is wearing fixed orthodontics such as braces, threading tools can be used to make sure the floss can get in between each tooth without damaging the appliance.
Cleanings
Did you know that it only takes 24 hours for plaque to turn into tartar? Tartar is an extremely corrosive compound that can only be removed with the help of a dental hygienist. This is why professional cleanings at our office are essential for optimal oral health—even if your child follows the most meticulous oral hygiene regimen at home.
We recommend that your child receive a cleaning every six months, or more if recommended by our dentists. During the cleanings, our hygienists will remove plaque and tartar, floss between the teeth, polish the teeth, and provide fluoride treatment if necessary. This will ensure that the smile is completely free from decay-causing bacteria and that any problems are addressed before they become more serious.
Benefits
The benefits of proper preventative care are indisputable. Regular preventive care helps to keep the teeth and gums healthy, prevents cavities and gum disease, increases the longevity of any dental restorations, and reduces the need for more extensive and costly treatments. In addition, it can help your child establish a positive association with the dentist’s office and develop good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime!
Additional benefits of preventative care include:
- Reduced risk of invasive procedures due to early intervention and prevention.
- Less anxiety when it comes to dental appointments.
- Improved self-esteem, as your child will feel more confident about their smile.
- Reduced risk of oral health problems as they grow.
- Improved oral health in adulthood and beyond.
Sealants
A dental sealant is a thin coating of plastic that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars in order to prevent decay. These sealants act as a barrier by “sealing” out any food particles and bacteria that may otherwise become stuck in the grooves of the teeth.
Sealants are extremely beneficial to children who are just learning to properly brush on their own, as it prevents bacteria from coming into contact with the enamel and causing decay. At our office, we recommend sealants for all children as soon as their molars come in.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen the enamel of teeth and prevent cavities. At our office, we provide fluoride treatments in order to prevent decay or even reverse a cavity at its earliest point of detection. Fluoride treatments are quick and easy and can be done right in the office.
The fluoride is delivered in the form of a foam or varnish, and it is painted directly onto the teeth for optimal absorption. After treatment, children should not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the fluoride to be fully absorbed.
