Top Dental Care Tips for Kids – National Children’s Dental Health Month

Welcome to Sierra Dental Practice! Since 1949, the American Dental Association (ADA) has designated February as the month to promote and raise awareness for children’s oral health. In honor of National Children’s Health Month, our Valencia, Santa Clarita dental practice wants to share some of our best tips and tricks for keeping your little one’s smile healthy for a lifetime. 

Early Care Equals Early Intervention

Sierra Dental Practice treats young patients as early as their first tooth emerges, and there are plenty of reasons why it’s an important part of your child’s early dental development. 

Detection of potential issues: The earlier our Valencia, Santa Clarita dentist sees your child, the earlier any potential issues can be monitored and corrected, saving you from costly treatments down the line. In fact, the ADA recommends that your child have their first checkup by age one or within six months after their first tooth emerges. 

Less dental anxiety: Familiarizing your child with the dentist from an early age will help them to become comfortable with future dental visits. Our Sierra Dental Practice team ensures your child’s comfort and is happy to work at your child’s pace. 

Common Dental Issues Children Face

When it comes to oral health, children face unique challenges. Because their diets are often filled with sugars and their mouths are full of hard-to-reach crevices, they are more prone to decay and cavities.  

With 1 in 5 children aged 5-11 having at least one untreated decayed tooth, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the United States. This can lead to a host of other problems, such as difficulty eating and speaking, decreased self-esteem, and even more serious health issues.

Another common issue for children is dental trauma, often caused by accidents while playing or participating in sports. This can result in chipped or broken teeth, which not only affects their appearance but can also cause pain and discomfort.

Tips for Children’s Dental Care

As parents, you know that the foundation for most everything starts at home, and good oral health is no different. Following these tips can help your child develop strong and healthy teeth and prevent common dental problems. 

  1. Introduce Dental Hygiene Early: The key to your child’s oral health is prevention. As soon as your child’s first tooth appears, it’s important to begin a routine of gentle brushing with a soft-bristled brush and water. Once your child reaches age 2, you can introduce fluoride toothpaste in small amounts (about the size of a pea) to help strengthen their teeth against decay.
  2. Make Brushing Fun: Children are more likely to develop good habits if they enjoy them, so make brushing their teeth an enjoyable experience! You can do this by letting them choose their own fun toothbrush and toothpaste flavors or by playing music or singing while they brush.

You can also make a game out of it by using a timer to see who can brush the longest.

  1. Lead by Example: Children learn by watching and imitating their parents, so be sure to show the way when it comes to good oral hygiene. Make brushing your teeth a family activity and show your child how important it is to take care of our teeth. You can also schedule dentist appointments for the whole family at the same time so your child sees that dental check-ups are a regular part of taking care of yourself.
  2. Limit Sugary Snacks and Drinks: Sugary snacks and drinks are one of the main culprits in tooth decay, so limiting them in your child’s diet is important. Instead, opt for healthier snack options like fruits and vegetables, and encourage your child to drink water instead of sugary drinks. 
  3. Reward Good Oral Hygiene: Positive reinforcement is a great way to encourage good behavior. You can create a reward system for your child’s oral hygiene routine, whether stickers on a chart or a small treat after every brushing session.
  4. Talk About the Importance of Oral Health: Children may not fully understand the importance of taking care of their teeth, but they are sponges when it comes to learning new information. So, talk to them about oral hygiene in a way they can understand. Explain how brushing and flossing help keep their teeth strong and healthy and how it can prevent cavities and other dental problems. 
  5. Visit the Dentist Regularly: Regular dental check-ups at Sierra Dental Practice are essential for maintaining good oral health in children. Taking your child to the dentist every six months for a routine check-up and cleaning is recommended. 

Preventative Pediatric Care at Sierra Dental Practice 

child smiling after dentist appointmentAt Sierra Dental Practice, we believe in the importance of preventative pediatric care. We understand that good oral hygiene habits formed at a young age can significantly impact a child’s overall health and well-being. That’s why our team is dedicated to providing high-quality dental services for children, including: 

Regular Check-Ups

Regular check-ups are an essential part of maintaining good oral health in children. We recommend that children visit our office every six months for a routine examination and cleaning. During these appointments, we will carefully examine your child’s teeth and gums, identify any potential issues, and provide treatment if necessary. 

Cleanings

In addition to regular check-ups, our team also performs professional cleanings for children. Dental cleanings involve removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth, which can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Our team uses gentle and kid-friendly tools to ensure your child’s comfort during cleaning.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen teeth and protect against tooth decay. For children who are at high risk for cavities, we may recommend fluoride treatments to protect their teeth. These treatments involve applying a fluoride gel or varnish to the teeth, which helps prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are another effective preventive measure we use at Sierra Dental Practice to safeguard children’s teeth against decay. Sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They work by sealing off grooves and crevices, preventing food particles and bacteria from becoming trapped. The application process is quick, painless, and can successfully protect teeth for several years.

Celebrate National Children’s Oral Health Month With Us

Our pediatric patients in Valencia and Santa Clarita are part of our commitment to your family, and we are dedicated to promoting their dental health during National Children’s Health Month. This month-long celebration is all about raising awareness of the importance of children’s health and encouraging healthy habits. Schedule your child’s visit today!