Encouraging good dental care practices from a young age is crucial for a child’s long-term health. From following a daily brushing and flossing routine to attending professional dental cleanings and oral exams in Marietta, simple steps help build good habits. However, many parents may have questions concerning how a child can best maintain healthy teeth and gums. And with the arrival of National Children’s Dental Health Month, this is an excellent time to think more about children’s oral health.
Protect Your Child’s Teeth With Effective Dental Care
To celebrate February as National Children’s Dental Health Month, we want to make sure you (parents/grandparents/caregivers) understand how kids should properly care for their teeth. According to the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should do the following.
- Brush teeth two times a day, preferably with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss teeth on a daily basis.
- Eat lots of vegetables and limit sugary beverages and snacks.
- See a family dentist or pediatric dentist on a consistent basis for the prevention and treatment of oral problems.
- Schedule a dental visit after your child’s first tooth appears. Your dentist will then advise you on the age your child should get their teeth cleaned.
At Shining Smiles Family Dentistry, we promote these tips for our young patients, as well as our teenage and adult patients.
Why Is Good Dental Care so Vital for Children?
Most parents understand that good oral hygiene is necessary, and that there are multiple reasons for its importance. These reasons include the following.
- Establishes good oral hygiene habits to build a lifelong commitment to dental care.
- Prevents tooth decay by addressing cavities in their earliest stages.
- Monitors growth to ensure teeth are developing correctly.
- Promotes good eating habits that contribute to healthy teeth and gums.
- Maintaining a clean and healthy smile can help build confidence and self-esteem.
- Regular dental visits can reveal other problems (such as misaligned teeth, bite issues, dry mouth, etc.) that require intervention.
Choosing a Family Dentist for Your Child
Family dentistry has somewhat of a double meaning. It means that we can provide care for a wide range of dental issues under one roof for all of your family members, but it also means that, at Shining Smiles, we’re a family ourselves!
Some dentists have a concentration in cosmetic, restorative, etc., but they cannot provide a high level of care to most families. Well, with the variety of dental services we offer, we can care for parents AND their kids all under one roof. In fact, once you meet Dr. Mohip-Chahwala and the rest of the team at Shining Smiles, we don’t think you’ll want to take any of your family members elsewhere.
Once you choose a family dentist or a pediatric dentist for your child, they will explain how to keep your child’s teeth healthy and which services are available for healthy smiles.
Common Pediatric Dental Treatments and Procedures
There are several dental treatments – both preventive and reactive – that ensure your child’s teeth are in the best condition possible. Let’s take a look at some common pediatric dental treatments available from experienced family dentists.
- Dental Cleanings – Professional teeth cleanings remove plaque and tartar, helping prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Fluoride Treatments – Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and improves oral health to reduce the risk of decay.
- Dental Sealants – A protective coating is applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to help prevent cavities.
- Orthodontic Checkups – Assessing teeth and jaw alignment helps determine if braces or other orthodontic appliances are necessary.
- Dental Fillings – Repair cavities or damaged teeth to maintain function and appearance.
- Tooth Extractions – Remove severely decayed or impacted teeth to prevent infection and other complications.
- Space Maintainers – After early loss of a primary tooth, space maintainers can ensure proper spacing for surrounding permanent teeth.
Professional Dental Care and Treatment for Children in Marietta
At Shining Smiles Family Dentistry, we provide reliable oral health care and dental treatments for children. Our Marietta family dentistry office offers oral exams, sealants, dental fillings and more. For assistance, call (770) 420-8550 or request a dental appointment today.
Sources:
National Children’s Dental Health Month brought to you by the ADA
