Tips or Keeping Your Kids’ Teeth Healthy & Strong: Advice from a Children’s Dental Clinic in Southwest Calgary

We all want the best for our kids, right? That includes taking care of their teeth and ensuring they have healthy and strong smiles. So, we've got some expert advice from a children’s dental clinic to guide you through the important ways to keep your kids teeth looking better than ever. Book a check up today to ensure your child is on track to their best smile!

Brushing Regularly

Ensuring your child brushes their teeth regularly is a fundamental step in maintaining their dental health. You should encourage them to brush their teeth at least two times each day, once in the morning and again before going to bed. To make brushing more effective, our children’s dental clinic recommends a toothbrush with soft bristles as it's gentler on the gums and teeth. Pair this with toothpaste that contains fluoride – a tiny smear for younger kids and a pea-sized amount for the older ones.

Moreover, make it a habit for your child to brush for a full two minutes during each session. You can use a timer or play some music to keep track of the time and make it a more enjoyable experience. Keep in mind that toothbrushes have a limited lifespan. It's important to replace them every three months or earlier if you notice the bristles starting to fray. Worn-out bristles won't clean your child's teeth effectively, so regular replacements ensure they get the best care possible.

Flossing

Let's tackle flossing next. Brushing is great, but it can't reach all those tight spaces between teeth. Here's a step-by-step guide to flossing from our children’s dental clinic:

• Take about 18 inches of dental floss.
• Carefully slide the floss between your child's teeth.
• Create a "C" shape around each tooth to remove food particles and plaque.
• Make flossing a daily routine, just like brushing.

Importance of Fluoride

Understanding the significance of fluoride for your child's teeth is essential. Fluoride acts as a protector, strengthening the outer layer of their teeth, known as enamel, and helping prevent cavities. To ensure your child benefits from fluoride, it's crucial to use toothpaste that contains this essential mineral. For younger children, a small smear of toothpaste is sufficient, while older kids can use a pea-sized amount. Our children’s dental clinic offers fluoride treatments with each cleaning as well.

How to Handle Broken Teeth

Accidents can happen, and a broken tooth can be scary. Here's what you should do if your child breaks or cracks a tooth:

• Wash the mouth with warm water to clean it.
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling if there's any.
• Make sure to store it in a glass of milk or your child's saliva until you can get to the dentist.
• Call your children’s dental clinic immediately for guidance. They can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.

Regular Dentist Visits

Understanding the importance of regular visits to your children’s dental clinic for your child's dental health is crucial. These appointments play a vital role in maintaining a healthy smile. You should consider taking your child to the dentist for the first time when they turn one year old or when their very first tooth pops up. These early visits allow the dentist to closely monitor the development of your child's teeth and catch any potential issues before they become major concerns.

As your child grows, scheduling regular check-ups becomes just as important as their routine health check-ups. Think of these appointments as routine maintenance for your child's oral health. During these appointments, your dentist will clean your child's teeth, check for any signs of cavities, and ensure that their oral development is progressing as expected.

Nurturing Healthy Smiles for Life

By following these essential tips from a children's dental clinic, you're well on your way to ensuring your child enjoys a lifetime of healthy and strong teeth. Remember, your child's smile is a valuable asset, and with proper care, it can shine bright for years to come. Schedule that next dentist visit today and keep those smiles beaming!