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Caring for your child’s teeth
We all want the very best for our children, including their oral health. At Dr. Paul J. Styrt, Specialists in Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we work with children and parents in La Jolla to make sure they know how to best look after young teeth. After all, they’re the foundation to a great smile.
Here are some ways we can all work together to help your child get the best teeth possible.
Establish a routine
Routines help children to grow in confidence, learn new skills and establish a sense of independence. Extend your child’s routine to incorporate regular tooth brushing at least twice a day – morning and night.
- Brushing – Brush your teeth with your child and show them how to brush both their front and back teeth.
- Fluoride – Children’s toothpaste should include 1350-1500ppm fluoride.
- Flossing – Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits. We will discuss with you the right time to start flossing your child's teeth.
Avoid sugary foods
Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth that turn into an acid, which can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk of tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents do not practice regular, good oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away.
Rather than drinks full of sugar – such as juices, flavored waters, candy, and sugary breakfast cereals, introduce your child to some of the best foods for healthy teeth:
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Fruit and vegetables
- Fish
- Milk
Take them to the dentist
Getting your child familiar with the dentist and taking them for regular appointments is vital to ensure they are comfortable with the clinic environment. Your child should visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and check-ups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest.
Sealants
As an orthodontist, we can help to give your child’s teeth an extra layer of protection with sealants. These help in the fight against decay and cavities.
Dental sealants are a plastic resin, (BPA free), that bonds and hardens in the deep grooves on the tooth's surface. When a tooth is sealed, the tiny grooves become smooth and are less likely to harbor plaque. With sealants, brushing becomes easier and more effective against tooth decay.