Share:

The dentists at Oahu Dental Care in Pearl City, HI know that nothing brings you happiness quite like seeing your child’s bright, bubbly smile. While keeping those pearly whites shining may seem like a daunting parental task, with a little bit of strategy, you can be sure of receiving cavity-free news the next time you visit the dentist's office with your little one.

Here’s some tips for making sure your child’s dental hygiene is top-notch:

  • Start early: Good dental hygiene starts as soon as your child is born. Before your little guy starts sprouting teeth, you can run a damp washcloth across his gums to prevent bacteria from collecting. Brush with an infant toothbrush until around the age of two, at which point you can teach your child how to brush for himself or herself using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Be sure to choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps battle cavities by strengthening enamel.
  • Make it fun: OK, “fun” might not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of dental hygiene; but “brushing your teeth” certainly sounds a lot better than “root canal!” In order to get your little ones to care for their teeth on a regular schedule, you can reward their good dental behavior with stickers or healthy treats.
  • Take heed at the dinner table: Chowing down constantly on sweets isn’t going to lead to healthy chompers. While limiting intake of foods that are high in sugar is a well-known way to avoid cavities, not many parents think about feeding their children foods that will actually help strengthen their teeth. You can do just that by ensuring your child’s diet is rich in calcium and phosphorous.
  • Don’t skip the orthodontist: Even if a child is not quite ready for braces, the American Association of Orthodontists still recommends a first visit to the orthodontist at age seven. This will allow for early spotting of any potential issues, and gives you a chance to curb the development of problems that could worsen as your child grows older.

Of course, regular dental checkups are cavities’ worst nightmare. To make sure your kids have the healthiest possible smiles, call Oahu Dental Care in Pearl City, HI at (808) 732-2821 to set up an appointment.

tracking