An Essential Guide to Caring for Your Teeth

As your pediatric dentist knows, high-quality family dental care in Bloomingdale goes far in helping maintain your overall health. By visiting your dentist’s office for a bi-annual professional cleaning and practicing good oral hygiene habits at home, you can support your entire immune system. Read on to learn why starting children young, brushing teeth often, and sealing molars early are essential steps in caring for your family’s teeth.

Start Children Young

A pediatric dentist suggests scheduling your child’s first dentist appointment at age 1, or when the first tooth erupts. By starting family dental care early on, you will ensure that your child develops a lasting relationship with his or her dentist. Your child will feel safe and comfortable whenever a visit to the dental office is necessary. Additionally, without dental care, one in four children develop cavities before they even begin school. In between dental visits, wipe teeth with a damp cloth or soft brush until your child is comfortable brushing regularly.

Seal Molars Early

A kids dentist suggests investing in dental sealants as soon as your child has his or her molars. Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the crevices and pits on the tops of teeth. Because young children are at especially high risk for developing cavities, sealing their molars at around age six can significantly reduce their risk. Despite the fact that sealants are affordable and have been proven to reduce caries, only one in three children currently has dental sealants.

Brush Teeth Often

Finally, a dentist advises the whole family to brush teeth twice per day with a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes teeth less susceptible to decay. It is also important to check with your locality to make sure your water is fluoridated. Three out of four American cities have fluoridated water. However, if you do not, your dentist can provide fluoride treatments. These treatments are completely painless and require just one visit to the dental office.