After your first visit, we recommend bringing your child to our pediatric dental office every six months. This will enable us to spot any concerns early on before they get out of hand and lead to serious oral health issues.

During these exams, we’ll take a look at how your child’s teeth, mouth, and gums are developing and if they are in good health. If we notice any significant changes, development of decay, or concerns, we’ll alert you – the parent or guardian – right away and advise what course of action is best. We believe families should be able to make informed decisions about their child’s smiles.

Our team will take x-rays of your child’s teeth to confirm if there is a cavity or orthodontic irregularities. Our professional cleaning is necessary because it eliminates the plaque and debris that at-home brushing and flossing just can’t remove. There are some hard-to-reach places in our mouths!

Infant Oral Care is just a Call Away

• Early cavity detection

• Healthier smiles

• Offer your child effective support

• Properly care for your child’s teeth

• Stop dental issues while they’re small

Cavities are a big problem among kids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20% or 1 in 5 children have at least one untreated decayed tooth.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. By practicing effective oral hygiene and taking your child to biannual professional cleanings at their pediatric dentist, cavities can be stopped. Fluoride treatment, for example, can prevent one-third of cavities that appear in baby teeth. And sealants placed on the chewing surfaces of molars (back teeth) cut down caries by a staggering 80%.

Ways to Provide Infant Oral Care

There are things you can do – right now – to help prepare your child’s smile for optimum health and longevity. They include:

1. Gently wipe gums twice a day with a clean cloth. Do this after their morning feeding and before bed to remove cavity-causing sugars and bacteria.

2. Once teeth first appear, begin brushing them two times per day with a small-bristled brush and water.

3. When your child gets close to their first birthday, book them in for their first appointment with our pediatric dentist in London. We have the expertise and training to spot the early signs of dental issues.

4. Ask us about putting fluoride varnish on your child’s teeth and whether it’s right for them. Don’t proceed until you’ve had a conversation with us!

Interested in learning more about infant oral care? Give us a call. We’re experts in this area and will be able to answer any questions you have.

So, let’s work together to keep your child’s baby teeth healthy. Not only are they instrumental when it comes to your child’s speech development and eating ability, but they also help pave the way for permanent teeth.

Dental education is a major part of any pediatric dental practice.  Your pediatric dentist can help you and your child understand the importance of daily oral care, but as a parent, you must do it for them in early age and do it with them as they get older. Parents can also get advice on toothpaste selection, diet, thumb-sucking cessation, dental development, and a wide range of related topics, and cleaning teeth in young children is one of them.

When your child starts writing his or her name, your child is ready to do a good job brushing. You should be with them and check to make sure your child does a good job.

Preventive pediatric dentistry focuses on keeping your kid’s teeth healthy. Here are some of the recommended practices:

• Brushing your teeth two times a day. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush for two full minutes. It’s also recommended to replace your toothbrush every few months, or sooner if your bristles are frayed. American Dental Association (ADA) approved fluoride toothpaste is also recommended.
• Floss once a day. Cleaning between your teeth is essential in managing tooth-decaying bacteria. Flossing helps to remove food particles and plaque between the teeth and under your gum line.
• Visit your dentist regularly. Seeing your dentist allows them to stay on top of any red flags regarding your oral health.
• Eat a balanced diet. Vitamins and minerals are essential for your oral health. It’s also important to limit sugary beverages and snacks. Also, drink plenty of water every day!

Preventive dentistry treatments are highly recommended and should be essential for your kids. Early habits and cleanings before bacteria even have the chance to build up can ensure a lifetime of dental health.

Fluoride treatments are a useful measure in preventing tooth decay in children. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), topical fluoride treatments support children in strengthening their tooth enamel during the years when they’re most prone to cavities.

Sealants are also preventive. They help to protect your kids’ back teeth (molars). Sealants are painted onto the top surface of the teeth to prevent decay. When you seal these teeth as soon as they come in, they can stay cavity-free for life. Believe it or not: Sealants reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars.

Lastly, as children grow and their teeth come in, they may need to see an orthodontist. Usually, your dentist will help determine if this is needed, and they’ll make a referral. An orthodontist will use braces or a retainer to prevent and correct misalignment.