4 Professional Dental Hygiene Tips For Your Child

When it comes to the health of your child’s mouth and gums, there is no better time than now to start practicing excellent dental hygiene. Good oral care will ensure your child’s teeth will stay healthy and free of decay.

At Marlborough Dental Centre, we understand the importance of pediatric dental care which is why we provide the most comprehensive children’s dentistry services in Calgary.

However, in between regular dental checkups and cleanings, there are some precautions you can take to ensure that your child’s teeth stay strong and healthy.

Why Should My Child Visit a Pediatric Dentist?

Maintaining your child’s dental health now and scheduling regular visits with your kid’s dentist will lead to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Dr. Popp and his team of Calgary dentists are specially trained to provide pediatric dental care to infants, children and teens. Their extensive knowledge and expertise means that your child will receive the quality oral care they need.

Pediatric dentistry has a number of important benefits including:

Early monitoring of dental disease or other oral problems
Establishing familiarity with professional dental care
Development of good dental hygiene habits
Preventative oral care saves you money in the long run
Improves your child’s confidence with a bright and healthy smile

How to keep your kid’s mouth healthy in between visits to the dentist

Establish a dental hygiene routine early on

Parents play a key role in helping their children develop a proper dental hygiene routine in the early years of their life. You should begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as their first primary teeth erupt as this sets the foundation for the development of healthy and strong permanent teeth.

Brush twice a day and floss daily

Make sure to brush your child’s teeth twice a day - in the morning and just before bed. Concentrate a good portion of this time on the back molars as this is the area where cavities first develop.

Start flossing your child’s teeth once a day as soon as two teeth emerge that touch. Floss picks instead of string floss may be easier for both you and your child.

Encourage your child to eat a well-balanced diet

Good nutrition is one of the easiest ways to improve your child’s oral health. By ensuring your child follows a balanced and nutritional diet, you can lower their risk of periodontal (gum disease) and tooth decay.

Advice from our Calgary Kid’s Dentist

Limit starchy or sugary foods such as candies, cookies and cakes as these produce plaque acids that cause tooth decay.
Brush your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste after snacks and meals
Choose snacks from healthy food groups such as raw fruits & vegetables, meats, nuts, seeds and dairy (low-fat yogurt, cheese or milk)
To help control the amount of sugar your child consumes, read food labels and choose foods & beverages that are low in added sugars.

Take your child for regular dental checkups

The Canadian Dental Association recommends regular dental visits within 6 months of the eruption of your child’s first tooth or by one year of age. Early checkups help prevent cavities, tooth decay and promotes a healthy attitude towards future dental care.

At this first dental visit, our pediatric dentists will be happy to discuss daily oral care, your child’s dental hygiene and eating habits. If you have any concerns about your child’s oral health, book an appointment with one of our Calgary dentists today.