Learn More About Dental Care for Children

Dental care for children ensures that today’s young ones will have healthy teeth and gums now and in the future. Our dentist recommends an early visit to our dental facility to find any unusual problems occurring in a child’s mouth. In addition to checking your young child’s teeth and gums, our dentist can look at the facial structure to find any abnormalities such as poor bone growth. A knowledgeable dentist understands how to inspect the tongue, palate, and back of the throat to see problems that require correction right away. During the first examination, your dentist will also talk to you about caring for an infant’s teeth by using a soft cloth to remove food debris from his gums and teeth. You will also learn more about the dangers of giving a child a pacifier or a bottle, especially at night. Children who suck their thumbs or fingers can also disturb the alignment of the teeth, leading to major dental malocclusions in the future. Here at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry, we encourage you to learn more about dental care for children.

Daily Oral Hygiene

As your child begins the toddler stage, he should learn more about caring for his own teeth. You can make the process of brushing teeth fun by taking your child on a shopping trip to buy a toothbrush that is designed with fun cartoon characters. Some toothbrushes for children will make musical sounds, encouraging your child to brush his teeth several times a day. In addition, select mildly flavored toothpaste that is formulated for children with great flavors such as cherry or blueberry rather than hot mint flavors. Children can also begin flossing their teeth, but you will need to help them with this process. In your home’s bathroom, place a mirror at a lower level so that your child can see to brush his teeth. Alternatively, you can buy a step stool so that your child can look into the mirror above the bathroom sink. Create a poster to hang on the bathroom walls so that you can have a reward system for your child when he brushes and flosses. Place stickers or marks on the poster so that your child earns points toward a special activity such as going to the zoo or seeing a movie.

Schedule an Appointment for More Information

While your child might have excellent oral hygiene habits, he should still visit a dentist every six months to find problems such as a buildup of plaque. A dental hygienist can use small tools to scrape away any plaque before it causes a cavity or gum disease. These cleanings also help to prevent bad breath. When your child does have a cavity in one of his teeth, it is easy for a dentist to fill it quickly. If your child has numerous cavities in the teeth toward the back of the mouth, then an application of sealants can protect his dental enamel. To learn more about dental care for children, please feel free to reach out and make an appointment with Ashburn Children’s Dentistry in Ashburn, VA. Our caring and devoted team of professionals will be pleased to explain your options in full and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!