A LIFETIME OF SOUND ORAL HEALTH BEGINS WITH EARLY PREVENTIATIVE CARE AND EDUCATION. One of the best ways to ensure this is to help your children and teens develop a great relationship with our team. There are basic, obvious lessons to be learned about tooth care. But don’t forget that children and teens are becoming increasingly aware and sensitive about their appearance. The condition of their smile can have a tremendous impact on their developing self image.
Must do’s – Should do’s – Could do’s
Each day—consciously and subconsciously—we prioritize decision making by “must do’s,” “should do’s,” and “could do’s.” Here at our practice, our goal is to make sure you’re comfortable with every oral health decision you make for your family, and that you see the difference between the “musts,” the “shoulds,” and the “coulds.”
Some Must Do’s.
- Most dentists believe regular check ups should begin before a child’s second birthday.
- Dentists are often the first to see signs of conditions such as Bulimia. Sometimes counsel from a concerned dentist can go farther than a parent’s counsel when it comes to subjects like soda pop consumption or tongue piercing, etc.
- Educating kids about a personal oral hygiene routine is pivotal. Make sure that daily brushing and flossing start early.
Some Should Do’s.
- Extensive orthodontics are often prevented by alert dentists like Drs. Hines and Anderson. For example, space retainers can keep teeth from shifting while adult teeth grow in.
- Sealants are a liquid plastic applied to chewing surfaces to prevent decay—especially in hard-to-reach places where children typically neglect. For more on sealants, check out this post.
- Studies show that athletes who wear custom mouth guards have 60% fewer injuries to their teeth, their lips and their gums.
Some Could Do’s.
- A teen’s smile is so important to their self image. Even subtle smile enhancements can make a world of difference.
- Whitening can be a safe, affordable boost to socially-conscious teens.
- Understanding the causes of bad breath, when young, ensures lifelong prevention.
Here at Hines Little Smiles, we want to be your partners in lifelong oral health for your kids. Thanks for the trust you put in our practice!
