How Can You Help Your Child Maintain Healthy Teeth?
Preventive Dental Care
BY DR. AZI A. ARDAKANI, DDS
Maintaining healthy teeth during childhood will reflect on your little one's oral health into adulthood. At Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry, we work closely with parents to set the stage for healthy smiles that last a lifetime. Here's a look at how you can help your child maintain healthy teeth and beautiful smiles.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Smiles
Good dental health starts at home. Encouraging your little one to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (if they can fully spit) and floss daily helps lay the foundation for healthy oral hygiene habits that last a lifetime. Make brushing time exciting by letting your little one pick a toothbrush and favorite toothpaste flavor. Remember - it's important to brush for at least two minutes each time, making sure to clean all the surfaces of the teeth. Choosing a song that is two minutes long can make brushing a more fun experience.
Aside from brushing, it's important to floss every day as soon as two teeth touch, usually when your child is between ages 3 and 4. We also recommend avoiding putting your child in bed with a bottle of juice or milk to prevent early childhood decay. It's important to limit sugary treats and maintain a healthy, balanced diet to ensure your little one's teeth have the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
Preventive Dental Care Offered by Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry
At Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry, we proudly offer a range of preventive services to keep your child's teeth in tip-top shape, including the following:
Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings: During a dental exam, we will check your child's teeth for signs of cavities or other problems to provide prompt treatment and prevent any minor issue from becoming more serious. We will also check all oral and perioral tissues and anatomy and ensure everything is forming correctly and in a timely manner. Your child’s visit will include a dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup, lowering the risk of cavities. Most pediatric dentists recommend visiting the dentist every six months to keep your little one’s smile healthy and bright.
Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride, often referred to as nature’s cavity-fighter, helps fortify your child's tooth enamel when given in measured amounts, making it more resistant to decay. While tap water and toothpaste may provide your child with some fluoride protection, fluoride treatments at our office can provide an extra layer of defense, lowering the risk of cavities.
Dental Sealants: Your child's back teeth, or molars, have tiny grooves and crevices on their chewing surfaces that trap food and bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities. Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings we apply to the grooves of the back molars to seal off plaque and food particles. Dental sealants are quick and painless to apply and can protect your child's teeth against cavities for several years.
Patient Education: At Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry, we believe in the power of prevention rather than treating dental issues after they develop. We are happy to discuss home oral hygiene practices and healthy nutrition for long-term healthy smiles. We are also pleased to discuss oral habits, like thumb sucking or pacifier use, and the use of protective mouthguards during sports activities. We are always here to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Preventive Dental Care Near Me in Laguna Hills, CA
Dr. Azi and our kid-friendly team at Little Heroes of Orange County Pediatric Dentistry emphasize the importance of prevention to maintain healthy teeth and happy smiles. By taking preventive steps today, you're helping your child avoid dental problems tomorrow. Don't forget to celebrate every cavity-free visit to the dentist! We invite you to call our office at 949-342-1484 to schedule your little hero's appointment or request one online today!
