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BEING A PARENT<\/b> can be incredibly hectic. It can be hard to keep track of all the things growing kids need, which is why we\u2019re giving our patients a list of five simple tips for staying on top of their children\u2019s dental health \u2014 and their own!<\/p>\nTip #1: Know What to Expect from Whitening Toothpastes<\/h3>\n
We all love having pearly white teeth, parents included, but it\u2019s important to know how whitening toothpastes work so that we can manage our expectations. These toothpastes contain polishing agents and mild abrasives to remove surface stains, but they won\u2019t affect deeper stains<\/strong>. Those require more thorough whitening treatments like bleaching or microabrasion.<\/p>\n When you hear the term \u201cpediatric dentist,\u201d you might think that means kids only, but we\u2019re still the best type of dentist to take care of a growing teenager\u2019s teeth. Caring for an adolescent\u2019s oral health is part of our specialized training.<\/strong> Your child\u2019s face and jaws will experience a tremendous amount of growth and change in these years, and their last few permanent teeth will be coming in. It\u2019s an incredibly important period, which requires the attention of a specialist.<\/p>\n Recent research shows that one of the healthiest snacks your child can eat, particularly where their teeth are concerned, is cheese! On top of being a great source of calcium (which remineralizes tooth enamel), it also works to fight cavities<\/strong> by stimulating the salivary glands, which then help clear the mouth of debris and neutralize harmful acids.<\/p>\n A great way to protect a child\u2019s teeth from tooth decay is sealants. Sealants are a clear plastic material painted over the deep pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth to block out bacteria and prevent decay<\/strong>. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends sealants, particularly for children with a history of tooth decay.<\/p>\n The easiest and most important method of cavity prevention is brushing your teeth, but finding the right toothbrush can be tricky. Whether you get your child a manual or electric toothbrush, it will be an essential tool in keeping their teeth healthy.<\/p>\n We recommend that you look for a toothbrush with soft, round-ended (polished) bristles<\/strong>. These will clean effectively while being gentle on the gums. Look for a brush designed for small hands and mouths, and don\u2019t forget to replace it every three months or so. Worn out brushes aren\u2019t as effective!<\/p>\n Your child will need help brushing until they\u2019re about 7 to 8 years old, so be sure to work with them and supervise their brushing when they begin doing it themselves so that they learn good techniques to get every tooth surface clean.<\/p>\nTip #2: Teens and Pediatric Dentistry<\/h3>\n
Tip #3: Looking for Teeth-Friendly Snacks? Try Cheese.<\/h3>\n
Tip #4: Seal the Deal for Healthy Teeth with Sealants<\/h3>\n
Tip #5: Brush Up on Brushing<\/h3>\n