Children's Dental Health Information

A Healthy Smile for a Lifetime

It’s easy to help your child maintain healthy teeth, and the rewards of continued good oral hygiene will last a lifetime.  Following some basic dental guidelines will help keep you and your child smiling for years to come.

• Practice good oral hygiene yourself – children learn by example.
• Start early – begin to brush and floss your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. To floss, begin by using about 18 inches of floss. Wrap the  floss around one finger on each hand at a level that is comfortable for you.  Hold the floss taut between your thumb and forefinger, leaving approximately one inch of floss between them. Guide the floss between each tooth, using a gentle back and forth motion. Curve the floss tightly around teeth at the gum line and gently scrape the sides of each tooth, moving the floss away from your child's gums. Learn More Dental Care Tips for Infants
• Bacteria that causes tooth decay can be passed between people.  You may decrease your child’s risk of receiving destructive bacteria and lower their rate of tooth decay if you take appropriate precautions.  If your child has a high risk of decay and cavities, don’t permit them to share food or utensils, or allow other saliva contact. 
• Eat healthy – feed your child a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and healthy snacks. Limit the amount of sugar you and your child consume, and eat foods rich in calcium.
• Ask your child’s dentist about fluoride and sealants. Learn More About Protective Sealants
• Teeth that become decayed or fractured should be treated as soon as possible to keep natural teeth healthy. This will help you correctly digest food. To prevent further breakdown, make regular appointments to prevent disease and take care of oral emergencies immediately.
• If a child’s tooth is lost too early, corrective action needs to be taken. Teeth that are lost too soon can lead to problems with spacing, and they can move and become crowded. For teeth that are lost early, space maintainers are available to provide gaps for the permanent teeth.
• Ask your child’s dentist about a protective mouth guard if your child is active in sports.
• Teenagers are especially susceptible to gum disease during adolescence.  Ensure that your teen uses dental floss to remove food between teeth.

Finally, keep a regular dental schedule for you and your child, and be sure to talk to your dentist about other teeth-saving tips! Learn More Dental Care Tips for Children