- When your child can spit, talk to us for a professional perspective on fluoridated toothpastes.
- Floss your child’s teeth as soon as they have two teeth side-by-side as they have the same risk of damage caused by plaque and food residue as adults.
- Never put a child to bed with anything but water.
- Help your child brush until they have the dexterity to do it accurately and thoroughly on their own. How old your child is when they can do this varies. Often, it correlates with
When Your Older Child Can Write Their Name - When your child has increased dexterity, it’s time for them to take over brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
- Brush teeth at least twice a day, and especially before bedtime. Increase toothpaste volume to that of a small pea.
- Again, only provide water at bedtime.
- Floss once a day. By this time, they should begin flossing themselves.
- Always supervise. Kids need their parents to remind them, encourage them, assist them, and then inspect the excellent job.
Tweens & Teens - They’re independently brushing and flossing but do need reminders (sometimes constant!) to take care of their teeth.
- What motivates teens to achieve a good oral hygiene routine? Discussing the importance of fresh breath.
Children’s care for primary teeth is important because…
- Primary teeth allow the introduction of food from various groups, providing nutrition and enjoyment.
- They give shape to your child’s face.
- Baby teeth also guide the emergence of permanent teeth, critical when learning to eat and speak.
- They have thinner enamel (the outside, white layer of the tooth) than adult teeth which puts them at risk for early childhood tooth decay.
- Children can get gum disease when plaque and tartar are allowed to build up.
- Clean teeth are socially expected.
- Establishing an excellent homecare routine for kids sets them up for a lifetime of benefits from a healthy mouth, confidence, and a beautiful smile.
What causes decay?
Sugars (anything ending in “ose”) feeds the bacteria that secrete acids that cause decay. When teeth are not cleaned well and regularly, decay sets in, causing pain, unsightly discoloration, and bad breath. Decay can interrupt your child’s ability to sleep, eat,or speak. It can also affect their concentration and learning.
At MAK dental, We’re Here To Help!
Always welcoming children to our practice, we enjoy their vibrancy and curiosity. It’s the perfect age to skillfully and effectively instill pride in a healthy mouth. As your Edmonton dentist, we’re trained to work with children using words they understand and a friendly and non-threatening approach … and to bring some fun into the visit.
Regular appointments also ensure we can intercept any issues and keep your child’s teeth healthy from infancy all the way up to adulthood and beyond.
A healthy mouth starts from day one. Call MAK dental, your dentist in Edmonton, at 587-402-1042 to book an appointment for your child!
When Should You Start Thinking About Children’s Dental Care in Edmonton?
It is never too early to start taking your young ones to a children’s dental clinic as soon as their milk teeth start coming in. It can be beneficial for them to be familiar with both the environment and the children’s dentist, forming friendly bonds before more serious visits when they’re older.
It’s great to instil good habits in children’s dental care as early as possible, starting to brush the moment their teeth are showing.
