Home Oral Hygiene Education for Kids – Chesterfield, MO
A Healthy Smile Starts at Home
Our pediatric dentists in Chesterfield are committed to making every visit fun, personalized, and educational. We believe that setting the stage for good oral hygiene habits begins at a young age, which is why we help our patients learn how to properly brush and floss their teeth. We also take the time to teach them about the connections between their oral and overall health. To learn more about how you can facilitate building a solid foundation for good oral health at home, read below or ask our pediatric dentists at your child’s next checkup and cleaning!
Why Choose Homer Sedighi, DMD for Preventive Dentistry?
- Specialists in Pediatric Dentistry
- Fun Themed Treatment Rooms
- In-Network with Delta Dental Premier
Why is Home Oral Hygiene Important?
A good at-home dental hygiene routine means a healthier smile. While our team at Homer Sedighi, DMD is here for you and your child every six months to facilitate the early detection of common dental problems children face, daily oral care is the key to preventing plaque and tartar build-up. Brushing, flossing, eating a balanced diet, and visiting the dentist every six months are the key to good oral health into adulthood. Our team strives to give your little one the tools they need to prevent tooth loss and maintain a whole and healthy smile starting from jump.
Building the Best Home Oral Hygiene Routine for Your Child
You may ask yourself, “So what exactly does a ‘good’ dental hygiene routine look like for my child?” Fortunately, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, as well as our pediatric dentists in Chesterfield have the answer:
Avoid Giving a Bottle Before Naptime
In your baby’s younger years, avoid giving them a sippy cup or bottle before you put them down to go to bed. Although they may love this, a common dental concern called “baby bottle tooth decay” develops when their teeth are exposed to sugary beverages for long periods of time.
Brush Twice a Day
Starting as soon as your child’s first tooth grows in, routine brushing is crucial. Be sure to consult with one of our pediatric dentists about how much fluoride toothpaste to use depending on your child’s age, and brush all of their teeth for two minutes twice a day.
Floss Once a Day
As soon as two of their teeth touch, you’ll know it’s time to start flossing between them! Gently floss between each of your child’s teeth once a day until the age of 10, or whenever you feel they’re ready to do it independently. This will help remove food debris and plaque that can accumulate between the teeth throughout the day.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Some parents aren’t aware that the types of foods their child eats can also impact their oral health. While an occasional sweet treat or chips isn’t bad, regular exposure to carbohydrates and sugars can lead to cavity development, which you want to avoid.
Common Dental Problems That Impact Kids
At each of your child’s routine checkups and cleanings, our team will examine their mouth for common dental concerns. The most diagnosed issue among children that we keep an eye out for are caries, also known as cavities. Our goal is to spot and treat decay as early as possible to keep it from leading to more serious concerns down the road. By maintaining a good at-home oral hygiene routine for your child in Chesterfield, you will help act as their first line of defense against these pesky dental concerns!