Introducing Healthy Dental Habits for Life

Article by Chie Li Ee, DMD and Gina Pratta
Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. In celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month, we will answer some common questions about your child’s dental care.
Q: At what age should I begin a daily oral hygiene regimen with my child?
A: Good oral habits should begin before the teeth grow in. This may involve using gauze to wipe the gums or a soft bristled toothbrush to clean the plaque from newly erupting baby teeth. By age 2 when most children have all their primary teeth, it is important to introduce flossing to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing and flossing with your children is great way for parents to promote these healthy habits.
Q: What is the best age for a child’s first dental visit?
A: A child’s first dental visit should be around 2 to 3 years of age. It is crucial for parents to create a positive experience for their child’s first dental visit. Getting children to associate a positive experience with going to the dentist is an important step in preventing dental fears from developing.
Q: What are the benefits of fluoride?
A: Fluoride is a very helpful tool in achieving good oral health. It is a nutritional supplement that strengthens tooth enamel and prevents cavities. Make sure to ask your pediatrician for fluoride drops for your baby or multivitamins containing fluoride. In-office topical fluoride applications, rinses and fluoride toothpastes are other methods to assist in cavity prevention.
Q: What are sealants and how can they prevent cavities?
A: Permanent teeth start to erupt at 6 to 7 years of age. Once the permanent molars erupt, it is important to consider sealants to help prevent cavities in chewing surfaces. Sealants create a barrier, protecting the enamel in cavity prone areas from decay causing bacteria and plaque.
Q: How can I protect my child’s teeth during athletic activities?
A: Remembering to protect your child’s teeth during sports is also crucial to optimal oral health. A mouth guard is an essential piece of athletic equipment that can help prevent broken teeth and jaw injuries. Because sports-related injuries can cost thousands of dollars in treatment, a custom mouth guard is a worthwhile investment.
We at Cape May Dental Associates welcome new patients and are committed to providing quality and comprehensive care for all our patients. Please call (609) 884-5335 today or visit www.capemaydental.com!