Preventing Tooth Decay : Children’s Oral Hygiene

Tooth decay occurs when the hard outer layer of your teeth called enamel, breaks down due to excessive exposure to sugars and improper oral hygiene.
Tooth decay leads to cavities and often requires fillings. In more serious situations, crowns and possibly root canals may be required.

To ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles and prevent tooth decay, it is so important to start establishing good dental habits as soon as possible.

 It’s never too early to start your child on the path towards great oral health, and our team is here to help every step of the way.

Our doctors in Tribeca Dental Studio will provide gentle check-ups and refreshing cleanings on a regular basis, and any developmental problems will be identified as early on as possible.

By monitoring that your children maintain a proper oral hygiene routine, they will have healthier, stronger teeth as they enter adulthood.
For example, you can prevent tooth decay by brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Fluoride for Kids

Fluoride is good for teeth because it helps prevent tooth decay. However, too much fluoride can cause damage to the teeth during dental development because it affects tooth enamel. This is called fluorosis. In milder cases, small white spots appear on the teeth, but in more severe cases, severe stains or even very visible sores and pits occur.

Children should use fluoride toothpaste as soon as their first tooth appears.

Children between the ages of one and three should use a dab of fluoride toothpaste the size of rice, then children over three should use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to teach them to spit out the excess toothpaste.

Oral hygiene tips for kids

An effective way to get children interested in practicing good oral hygiene is to set a good example for them.

If they see adults taking care of their teeth, they are more likely to take care of their own teeth.

Also, the show-and-tell method is a good way to teach young children and toddlers proper oral hygiene techniques.
It helps them hear, see, and practice the correct movements themselves, which reinforces good habits. Learn more about the Tell show do method.

Remember that proper brushing and flossing techniques are very important.
Be sure to use a baby toothbrush with soft bristles and a small amount of toothpaste, and don’t let your child swallow extra toothpaste.
Before trying the toothpaste, it is advisable to ask children to practice rinsing and spitting with water.

You can also make daily oral hygiene more fun for your child so they are more willing to brush and floss. Here are some ways your child can engage in brushing and flossing:

• Let children choose their own toothbrush, toothpaste and floss. They can choose a colorful flosser, an electric toothbrush, or a toothbrush that glows or has character.
• Let children apply their own toothpaste to the toothbrush, but be sure to make sure they don’t use too much.
• Make brushing a game out of brushing by singing a song or telling a story while your child brushes their teeth.
• Use the brushing app for smartphones.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule the first appointment!

212-561-5303

You can also book an appointment online .