With so much information circulating now, it can be hard to determine what is truthful. Therefore, when you visit your children’s dentist in Brampton, it’s the perfect time to ask any questions you have and get the answers you need from a trusted and reputable source. Read on to find out the top 5 queries to make so your child can enjoy the absolute best in oral health!
Question #1 – What’s the Right Way to Brush My Child’s Teeth?
While brushing with a toothbrush may seem like a no-brainer to some people, it’s actually an activity that requires proper technique. That’s because if done wrong, damage can be done to the enamel (the hard, protective outer layer), and there is also the risk of the teeth not being cleaned properly, which can lead to such problems as tooth decay and gingivitis.
Here are some basic tips to keep in mind in the interim:
- Only use a pea-sized dollop of toothpaste for children between the ages of two and four and a bean-sized amount for children five years old and older.
- Make sure the bristles are the softest available to avoid any gum irritation or enamel damage.
- Each session should last for two minutes to ensure the teeth are thoroughly cleaned.
Question #2 – When Should I Schedule the First Visit?
To ensure your child gets off to the best oral health start, make preventive care a priority early on. As a general rule of thumb, the initial visit should occur after his or her first birthday.
Question #3 – When Can My Child Start Brushing Unsupervised?
There is no set age for a child to be trusted to brush his or her teeth without supervision. To determine the right time, you’ll have to monitor his or her efforts to decide on the right time for you to be less involved. Even after this happens, though, you should still reevaluate the process from time-to-time to make sure your little one is on track.
Question #4 – How Can I Encourage My Child to Perform Oral Hygiene?
A simple way to create more excitement around your child’s oral hygiene is to use a reward system. For example, you can post a chart in the bathroom, and place a golden star with every completed session.
Then, when a certain number have accumulated, you can take your child shopping for a favorite toy or schedule a fun activity.
Question #5 – How Often Should My Child Visit for Preventive Care?
Every six months, your child should visit your local children’s dentist for cleanings and examinations. If he or she has any tooth decay or signs of other issues, the dentist may recommend more frequent visits to monitor the effectiveness of any treatment provided.
By applying what you’ve learned here and working in conjunction with your family dentist in Brampton, you can sleep soundly at night knowing that your little one’s oral health is in excellent hands!
About the Author
Dr. Vince Fava is a graduate of the University of Toronto, and for the past 20 years, he’s been providing the best in dental care. He combines his years of experience and a kind disposition to make kids feel safe and eager to receive care at Torbram Dental, and he can be reached for more information through his website.