Your child will lose those baby teeth and get permanent ones. But, keeping baby teeth healthy should be a goal for parents, says children’s dentist in Bowie, Dr. Clarine Green Hightower, and her associate dentist, Dr. Yumma Valiulla. Read here some tips on best oral healthcare to keep little smiles bright and strong.
Preserve Those Baby Teeth
The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta maintains that 20 percent of American kids have one or more untreated cavities. Decay and gum disease cause issues with speech, tooth eruption and alignment, nutrition and even learning. Some children attend school in pain with dental abscesses.
The family dentist at Ambiance Dental Spa in Bowie keeps young smiles healthy through preventive dental care. In her years of practice in Bowie, Dr. Hightower has given young patients and parents many practical tips to combat tooth decay and other oral health issues.
Tips for Great Oral Health
#1 Brush twice a day, and floss daily as recommended by the American Dental Association. Dr. Hightower tells parents to use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste, or less, for children school age and younger. Mom or Dad must supervise children until they develop the manual dexterity to floss and brush independently.
#2 Come to Ambiance Dental Spa twice a year for cleanings and exams. Starting at age two, the dentist likes to inspect young mouths for decay, gum disease and tooth/jaw development. The rationale is to catch problems while they are still small to limit damage and make treatment easier. Hygienic cleanings remove plaque and tartar, leading causes of tooth decay and gum disease in children and adults.
#3 Encourage and model good nutrition. Parents, set a good example of eating low-fat meats and high-calcium dairy products while loving fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid sugary soda pop and sports drinks– things that help decay-causing bacteria to multiply and do damage.
#4 Take advantage of in-office fluoride treatments and plastic sealants. These economical dental services coat and strengthen enamel and control dental sensitivity. Adults can use them, too.
#5 Kids and adults need plenty of fresh water daily–at least 8 full glasses, or 64 ounces. Water removes food residues from on and between teeth and also increases saliva production. Saliva is nature’s own cavity preventive with its high water content and beneficial enzymes.
#6 Use custom-made mouthguards from Ambiance Dental Spa. These acrylic appliances guard against tooth avulsion and jaw injuries. They cushion teeth to avoid small cracks, chips and teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism). Over time, these wear and tear injuries lead to tooth decay, tooth mobility and loss and even gum disease.
Learn All You Can
For great kids’ dental care, contact Ambiance Dental Spa. The team is dedicated to vibrant oral health for kids. Patient teaching and parental involvement in treatment plans produce young smiles that last a lifetime.