We offer treatment for kids of all ages, so we can help them enjoy good oral health and a smile that shines. These procedures can help prevent issues like tooth decay and help them better understand their own oral health. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about helping kids with children’s dentistry.
When Kids Need to Brush and Floss
First, make sure that your kids practice good oral hygiene habits at home! Just like you, kids need to brush daily. This should happen when they first wake up and then again before going to bed. With each session, they should use an age-appropriate toothbrush with soft bristles and a fluoride toothpaste. Children three and younger should use a rice-sized amount of toothpaste, children over the age of three should use a pea-sized blot.
You can brush for your babies and toddlers, and assist or monitor your older kids to make sure they clean for two minutes each time. You can also time them with a song or video. Kids also need to floss as soon as there are teeth sitting next to one another. Children can use a floss pick at first, and then graduate to tape or strong once their dexterity improves.
The Importance of a Checkup and Cleaning
You should make time for your child to see us for a checkup visit every six months starting at age twp. With the exam portion, we will look at the smile with advanced digital imaging, so we can assess their oral health with precision and identify areas of concern, including tooth decay, in the early stages. Often, we can treat these before discomfort occurs! In the same sitting, our team can also clean the teeth to remove all layers of harmful plaque and tartar, which can reduce the risk of bad breath, teeth stains, cavities, and gingivitis.
Fluoride and Dental Sealants
Our team also provides unique preventive treatments to help stop the onset of cavities. We can apply fluoride to the teeth during checkups to strengthen the outer enamel so cavities are less likely to form in between visits. We can also apply sealants to cover the rear teeth, which are hard for little ones to reach when they brush and floss, which prevents cavities from forming. Dental sealants can potentially stay in place for up to ten years!
If you have any questions about our approach to children’s dentistry, or if you want to schedule a visit for your kid, then contact our team today.
Dental Impressions Offers Children’s Dentistry
Children benefit from routine care just like you do! To schedule your appointment for your child’s exam and cleaning, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
