Preventive Care
Preventive dental care is worthwhile throughout life, but especially at a young age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with our office, your child can help keep his or her smile bright and healthy for many years to come.
Here are a few simple ways to prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities:
- Make sure your son or daughter brushes those teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Also make sure he or she brushes the top surface of the tongue; this will remove any extra plaque-causing food particles and help keep the breath fresh!
- Make sure your little one cleans between the teeth by flossing at least once a day. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen his or her breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
- Make sure your child eats a balanced diet, and try to avoid extra-sugary treats. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit can help keep your son or daughter’s smile healthy.
- Remember to schedule regular checkups with our dentists every six months for a professional teeth cleaning.
- Ask us about dental sealants: a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.
- If your son or daughter plays sports, be sure to ask our doctors about special mouthguards designed to protect your little athlete’s smile.
Air Polish: HuFriedy PWR Unit
Air polishing has been around for decades. Technology, however, has drastically changed the dental hygiene protocol. We now have a machine that combines air, water and a specialized powder to gently remove biofilm from the teeth. Previous air polishing units were tough on gums and surrounding oral tissues. Now, thanks to the HuFriedy PWR Unit, we can effectively remove bacteria from not only the enamel surfaces, but also the cheeks, lips and tongue. The cleaning starts with disclosing the teeth to help the oral health care professional identify exactly where the plaque is located. Your child will see in the mirror where they're missing when brushing at home. We have found this machine to be especially effective for our orthodontic patients who struggle to maintain appropriate oral hygiene. The kids are calling it the "purple plaque eater." Parents are asking if they, too, can be seen in our office for a cleaning with this new machine, to which we politely say "No!!" Our patients report they love how "there was almost no scraping - I hate that part!", and how it appears they've had their teeth whitened after a professional cleaning. This machine removes stains right along with the bacterial plaque. We love it when our young patients are as excited about their results as we are! Come check out this fantastic new tool!
- Brushing instructions
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Brushing: Step 1
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum.
Brushing: Step 2
Brush gently in a circular motion.
Brushing: Step 3
Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
Brushing: Step 4
Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.
- Flossing instructions
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Flossing: Step 1
Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and the other finger takes it up as the floss is used.
Flossing: Step 2
Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.
Flossing: Step 3
Holding the floss tightly, gently saw it between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.
Flossing: Step 4
Slide the floss up and down, and repeat for each tooth.
If it’s been six months or more since your child’s last dental checkup, then it’s time to contact our practice and schedule an appointment!
