If you are a parent who tries daily to get your kids to brush their teeth, then you can benefit from these tips from a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists focus on younger patients and understand that kids often have little interest in oral health. Because pediatric dentists specialize in caring for children like yours, these dentists can be a wealth of information for you. Cavities can be very painful for your child and cause many problems. Here are a few tips from a pediatric dentist to prevent cavities in your child.
Get an in-person demonstration. It sounds overly simple, but every parent can benefit from checking in with the pediatric dentist. The dentist can show parents and caregivers how to position the toothbrush for the most effective brushing. Pediatric dentists can also demonstrate how to floss little mouths. Seeing these things done can be far more helpful than reading a description.
Have the dentist explain what happens with good and bad oral health. Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children and often have a lot of practice in how to explain how things work and why. Dentists can show children what happens when they do not brush and floss. Cavities in children are serious and can be very painful and uncomfortable. If the dentist has to remove teeth due to tooth decay, it can cause problems with the other teeth and with eating or speaking. Some kids respond well to hearing an explanation from an authority figure.
Children like to have some control. Letting kids choose toothbrushes or kinds of toothpaste can help them to feel some ownership and personal responsibility. Fun colors and flavors make it seem like less of a chore. Some children do not fully understand what cavities are, but empowering them to choose dental tools can help them to feel involved.
Do oral health routines together. Some kids do not like to do things by themselves. It might be more fun if a sibling or parent does oral care with them. Toothbrushing and flossing can be a fun event involving multiple family members. Family members can challenge each other to brush for the full length of time.
Parents should not rely on children to remember to brush twice a day. Children often forget or may actively choose not to do it if it is not enjoyable for them. Parents might have a routine down, but children need help. Setting an alarm can help children develop consistency.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Reston, VA
You can also gently remind your child to brush at a designated time. It can be tough, but you need to be consistent even if your child resists. The alternative is potentially cavities and tooth decay. Establishing these habits when your child is young does stay with them into adulthood. It is much harder to form good oral care habits as an adult without that encouragement and consistency from you.
Request an appointment or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at 703-391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
Retainers help protect the results of orthodontic care and provide the long-term support needed to keep the teeth in their new positions. Teeth naturally want to shift back after clear aligners or braces are removed. An orthodontist can recommend either a fixed, permanent retainer or a removable one to prevent this. Understanding when permanent retainers…
A dental emergency is any condition that compromises the tooth's structure or causes persistent oral bleeding or severe pain, and it needs to be treated by an emergency pediatric dentist.A pediatric dental emergency can sometimes occur despite the parents' best efforts. The following are common emergencies that can affect children.A toothache can affect children of…
Pediatric dentistry provides children with a more focused form of dental care. Seeing your dentist on a regular basis can help maintain the child’s oral health. This can help bring about more benefits in the long run. Here are the important points about pediatric dentistry that parents and children must know about.Many kids and adults…
Braces are used to address myriad oral health concerns, including but not limited to overcrowding, gaps between teeth (i.e., spacing concerns), and crooked teeth. They can also address bite complications like underbites, overbites, and crossbites. In this review, we look specifically at how braces can fix overcrowding and spacing issues in patients of all ages.Whether…
Braces are a common orthodontic treatment to correct dental misalignments and achieve a straighter smile. While braces are highly effective in improving oral health and alignment, it is crucial to practice proper care to stay on track, minimize discomfort, and ensure optimal results. Here are some valuable tips teens and adults can use to care…